Migrant deaths have hit an all-time high in 2024, new data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has revealed.

In 2024, a record 8,938 migrant deaths were reported globally, surpassing the previous year's total of 8,747, according to IOM. This marks the fifth consecutive year of increasing migrant fatalities.

IOM also stated that, 2024 was the deadliest year on record worldwide, with significant loss of life reported in Asia (2,778), Africa (2,242), and Europe (233). The Mediterranean Sea saw 2,452 documented fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for robust search and rescue operations and safe migration routes. Preliminary data for the Americas reveals at least 1,233 deaths, including a record 341 in the Caribbean and 174 migrant fatalities crossing the Darién.

The IOM expressed concern that violence-related deaths among migrants remain a widespread issue globally. Since 2022, at least 10% of recorded migrant deaths were due to violence. In 2024, Asia saw a significant proportion of these violent incidents, with nearly 600 lives lost on migration routes in South and Southeast Asia. The actual number of migrant deaths and disappearances is likely underestimated due to inadequate documentation and a lack of official sources. The identities and demographic details of most victims remain unknown.

IOM Deputy Director General for Operations Ugochi Daniels said the tragedy of the growing number of migrant deaths worldwide is both unacceptable and preventable adding that, behind every number is a human being, someone for whom the loss is devastating.

“The increase in deaths across so many regions in the world shows why we need an international, holistic response that can prevent further tragic loss of life.”   

Coordinator of IOM’s Missing Migrants Project, Julia Black, also stated that, the rise in deaths is terrible in and of itself, but the fact that thousands remain unidentified each year is even more tragic.

“Beyond the despair and unresolved questions faced by families who have lost a loved one, the lack of more complete data on risks faced by migrants hinders lifesaving responses.”  

To bridge the knowledge gap, the Missing Migrants Project's forthcoming annual report offers an in-depth examination of 2024 migrant death data and explores the issue of missing migrants in humanitarian crises. The report's findings, along with the alarming rise in migrant deaths, underscore the urgent need for establishing safe and legal migration pathways – the only viable solution to stem the crisis of migrant fatalities.