The International Organization for Migration (IOM) released a report on March 26, revealing a concerning trend: over two-thirds of migrants who perish during their journey remain unidentified, with drowning cited as the leading cause of death. The report, part of the IOM’s ‘Missing Migrants’ project spanning from 2014 to 2023, documents more than 63,000 migrant deaths over the past decade, with a significant portion of victims still lacking identification.
Highlighted in the report is the prevalence of migrant deaths originating from conflict-ridden nations like Afghanistan, Syria, Myanmar, and Ethiopia, underscoring the perilous conditions many migrants face. Drowning emerges as the most frequent cause of death, with over 36,000 sea fatalities recorded across various migration routes over the ten years.
The Mediterranean Sea stands out as a hotspot for drowning deaths, with over 28,000 fatalities occurring in that region alone. The IOM’s findings indicate a disturbing trend of escalating migrant deaths, with 2023 marking the highest annual death toll, totaling nearly 8,600 lives lost—an increase of 20% compared to the previous year.
The report underscores that the documented deaths likely represent only a fraction of the actual toll, emphasizing the need for enhanced search and rescue capabilities and safer migration pathways. The Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia witnessed a significant surge in migrant fatalities, prompting urgent calls for action to prevent further loss of life.
As the ‘Missing Migrants’ project commemorates its tenth anniversary, the data serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of migration and the imperative to prioritize measures that safeguard vulnerable migrants and prevent tragedies at sea.