At least 8,938 people died in 2024 while attempting to migrate to another country.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) warned that the actual number of deaths is likely to be much higher as many deaths have not been documented due to a lack of official sources.
“The tragedy of the rise in immigrant deaths around the world is unacceptable and preventable. Behind all the numbers, the losses are catastrophic,” Deputy Director of Operation Ugochi Daniels said in a press release.
“The increase in deaths in so many parts of the world demonstrates why an international and overall response is needed that can prevent further tragic loss of life.”
The upward trend in 5 years
The 2024 figures continue the five-year trend of immigrants dying. This surpasses previous record of 8,747 deaths recorded in 2023.
Asia recorded the highest regional fee with 2,778 deaths, followed by 2,242 Africa. The IOM recorded 2,452 deaths in the Mediterranean. It’s not a record, but the number remains high.
The agency said, “The numbers indicated the need for an appropriate search and rescue system and the need for safe, regular travel routes.”
Data for the Americas is not yet complete, but at least 1,233 deaths were reported in 2024. This includes the deaths of 341 people who died in the Caribbean (an unprecedented number) and 174 recorded deaths in the Darien Jungle between Panama and Colombia.
Sign up for the AllAfrica newsletter for free
Get the latest African news
success!
Almost finished…
You need to check your email address.
Follow the instructions in the email you sent to complete the process.
error!
There was a problem processing the submission. Please try again later.
Police oust immigrants from the Paris Theatre after months of occupation
The main causes of violence
Since 2022, at least 10% of recorded immigrant deaths have been due to violence. In 2024, this was primarily related to violence against people in Asia in transit. Nearly 600 people have died on travel routes in south and southeast Asia.
The IOM said most victims remain unidentified and would hinder efforts to respond to the crisis without answering their families.
“The increase in deaths is terrible in itself, but the fact that thousands remain unidentified each year is even more tragic,” said Julia Black, coordinator of the IOM’s Missing Immigration Project.
“Beyond the despair and unresolved questions facing families who have lost loved ones, the lack of more complete data on the risks facing immigrants will hinder life-saving responses.”
Seek global response
The IOM is calling for an international response to address the rising number of deaths.
Future annual reports will focus on further analysis of data for 2024 and a new focus on the disappearance of migrants during the humanitarian crisis.
The agency said the rising death toll highlights the need for safe and legal routes for people on the move. It described them as the only sustainable solution to the immigration death crisis.
