Last year was the deadliest on record for migrants, with nearly 9,000 people losing their lives worldwide, according to the United Nations.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) described the tragedy as both “unacceptable and preventable.”
“At least 8,938 people died on migration routes in 2024,” marking the fifth consecutive year of record-high fatalities, said Ugochi Daniels, IOM’s deputy director.
She emphasised that behind every statistic was a human life, with devastating consequences for families and communities.
The IOM warned that the true death toll was likely much higher due to undocumented cases and a lack of official records. Most victims’ identities remain unknown.
Asia, Africa, and Europe saw record fatalities, with 2,778, 2,242, and 233 deaths, respectively. Meanwhile, 2,452 migrants perished in the Mediterranean, the deadliest route to Europe.
In the Americas, at least 1,233 migrant deaths were recorded, including an unprecedented 341 fatalities in the Caribbean and a record 174 deaths of people crossing the treacherous Darien jungle between Colombia and Panama.
The Darien Gap had become a key corridor for those seeking entry into the United States.
The IOM urged stronger international efforts to improve migrant safety and prevent further loss of life.
