The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has issued a stark warning about the extreme dangers faced by migrants on their way to Europe. UNHCR special envoy Vincent Cochetel emphasized the need for increased rescue operations and stronger cooperation with local authorities, alongside a call for more funding from donor countries. Cochetel highlighted the importance of providing better access to legal pathways and improving protection services for both current and potential victims.
A recent report by the UNHCR revealed that every year, hundreds of thousands of people from sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Middle East risk their lives to reach Europe. Many are unaware of the severe risks involved, often leading to fatalities while crossing deserts or approaching borders. Others suffer serious human rights abuses during their journey.
Cochetel noted that many migrants avoid major cities where humanitarian aid is concentrated, opting instead for secondary routes that take them through remote areas, such as the Sahara Desert. He stressed that essential services should be made available in these hard-to-reach regions to better support the migrants.
The UNHCR report also highlighted that a significant portion of the over 108 million forcibly displaced individuals worldwide reside in low- and middle-income countries. Data from the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) indicates that there are more than 280 million international migrants globally, comprising about 3.6 percent of the world population.