GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 27th March. International Organization of Migration said on Tuesday that over 2 in 3 migrants deaths happens while people flee conflict whose deaths have been documented remain unidentified, in a press release issued in New York.
IOM reported that last year was the deadliest on record, with 8,541 migrant victims. Some 60 per cent of deaths were linked to drowning.
In 2024, the trends are as alarming with the Mediterranean sea route alone while arrivals this year are significantly lower (16,818) compared to the same period in 2023 (26,984) the number of deaths is as high as before, with 956 registered since 1 January.
The agency noted that that the number of unidentified deaths remains high over 2 in 3 migrants leaving families and communities to grapple with the lack of clarity about what happened to a friend or relative.
UN agency’s Missing Migrant Project data showed that the remains of 26,666 people who died while migrating have not been recovered.
Ugochi Daniels, IOM Deputy Director General for Operations said “Despite the many lives lost whose identities remain unknown, we know that almost 5,500 females have perished on migration routes during the last 10 years and the number of identified children is nearly 3,500,” as he commented on the findings.
The report suggests the true number of deaths of women and children is likely far higher: there are over 37,000 dead for whom no information on sex or age is available.
The study found that 1 in 3 deceased migrants whose origin could be identified come from countries in conflict or with large refugee populations, the study finds.
It highlights dangers faced by those attempting to flee conflict zones without safe pathways, the agency underscored.
The deadliest route is the Central Mediterranean, where at least 23,092 people have died since 2014.
“The toll on vulnerable populations and their families urges us to turn the attention on the data into concrete action,” Ms. Daniels said.
He advocated for more detailed information collection that would facilitate creating safer migration routes for people fleeing conflict and distress in their home countries.
IOM has adopted a new Strategic Plan 2024-2028 that aims to save lives and protect people on the move as its first objective.
The agency has called the Member States and other partners to work jointly to end migrant deaths and address the impacts of the tens of thousands of lives lost on migratory routes worldwide.
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