Over 63,000 Individuals Dead Or Gone Missing While Attempting Migration In Last Decade: IOM Report

The report reveals staggering statistics, indicating a distressing surge in migrant deaths. Since the inception of data collection in 2014, over 63,000 individuals have tragically perished or gone missing while attempting migration. Alarmingly, the year 2023 witnessed the highest toll yet, with 8,542 recorded fatalities or disappearances—an increase of 20% compared to the preceding year.

Among the various migration routes documented in the report released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), one corridor stands out as particularly perilous: the Mediterranean Sea route. This route, traversed by migrants seeking refuge in Europe from conflict-ridden regions in northern Africa, has consistently recorded a significant number of fatalities, earning it the reputation as the deadliest migration route.

According to the report, over 27,000 deaths have been documented along the Mediterranean Sea route since data collection began in 2014. This staggering figure stats the profound risks faced by individuals undertaking the perilous journey across the sea in pursuit of safety and opportunity.

Within the Mediterranean Sea route, the Central Mediterranean corridor, which extends between Italy and North Africa, emerges as a focal point of migrant fatalities. The treacherous waters off the coast of Libya, in particular, have claimed a significant number of lives.

While historically less prominent, the Tunisian coast has witnessed a concerning rise in migrant deaths, signaling shifting migration dynamics and associated risks. The report highlights a notable increase in fatalities off the Tunisian coast, with 729 recorded deaths in 2023 compared to 462 the previous year.

Female Migrant Fatalities

The data presented in the report underscore the significant toll borne by female migrants, with approximately 5,500 females succumbing to the perils of migration routes over the past decade.

Several factors contribute to the vulnerability of female migrants, including gender-based discrimination, limited access to resources and protection, and the intersection of migration with other forms of marginalization, such as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Women often undertake migration journeys under precarious circumstances, facing increased risks of sexual and gender-based violence, exploitation in labor markets, and coerced involvement in trafficking networks.

While the report emphasizes the significant toll on female migrants, it also highlights the prevalence of male deaths, with nearly 3,500 recorded fatalities among male migrants over the past decade.