In 2024, at least 8,938 individuals perished while trying to cross into another nation, making it the most lethal year recorded for migrants globally, according to the United Nations' statement on Friday.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) cautioned that the real number of fatalities is probably significantly greater, since numerous deaths remain unrecorded because of an absence of reliable information sources.
"The increasing toll of migrant fatalities across the globe is both unjustifiable and avoidable. Each statistic represents an individual whose loss has profound consequences," stated Ugochi Daniels, the IOM Deputy Director General for Operations. press release .
The rise in fatalities across numerous global regions underscores the necessity for an international, comprehensive approach to avoid additional heartbreaking losses of life.
Five-year upward trend
The 2024 statistic maintains a streak of increasing fatalities among migrants over the past five years. This number exceeds the earlier high of 8,747 deaths documented in 2023.
Asia registered the highest regional total with 2,778 fatalities, followed by Africa With 2,242 reported cases, the IOM recorded 2,452 fatalities. Mediterranean The sea. Even though it doesn’t set a new record, the figure still stays quite elevated.
The organization stated: "The statistics highlighted the necessity for effective search and rescue mechanisms along with secure and regulated pathways for migration."
The data for the Americas is still incomplete; however, at least 1,233 fatalities have been recorded in 2024. This figure encompasses 341 individuals who perished in the Caribbean—a staggering total—and a historic high of 174 deaths within the Darién jungle region. Panama and Colombia .
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Violence a major cause
Starting from 2022, at least one-tenth of all documented fatalities among migrants can be attributed to violence. By 2024, such incidents were predominantly associated with acts of violence towards individuals moving through Asia. Approximately 600 people lost their lives along migratory paths spanning South and Southeast Asia during this period.
The IOM mentioned that the majority of the casualties have not been identified yet, which leaves families without closure and obstructs attempts to address the situation effectively.
"The increase in fatalities is dreadful by itself, yet the reality that thousands go unidentified annually adds an even greater tragedy," stated Julia Black, who coordinates the IOM's efforts. Missing Migrants Project .
Past the hopelessness and unanswered queries confronting families who have lost someone dear, insufficient comprehensive information about the hazards encountered by migrants impedes crucial rescue efforts.
Call for global response
The IOM is urging for a global effort to tackle the increasing fatalities.
The forthcoming annual report will offer additional insights into the 2024 data and introduce an emphasis on missing migrants during humanitarian emergencies.
The organization stated that the increasing number of fatalities underscores the necessity for secure and lawful pathways for individuals who are migrating. They emphasized these as the sole viable answer to the emergency situation concerning casualties among migrants.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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