Record Number of Migrant Deaths Reported by UN Agency in 2023 – Sky Bulletin
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The United Nations migration agency, on a recent Wednesday, disclosed shocking statistics, revealing that last year witnessed an unprecedented number of migrant deaths worldwide. A distressing total of 8,565 individuals lost their lives while in transit, marking the highest figure since recording began roughly ten years ago.
In its statement, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) noted a stark rise in fatalities during the perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea. Deaths soared to 3,129 in 2023, up from the 2,411 fatalities of the previous year. Despite this increase, the toll falls short of the peak Mediterranean crisis in 2016, which saw 5,136 people perish as they made the desperate voyage to flee conflicts in the Middle East and beyond.
Comparatively, the IOM reported an almost 20% surge in migrant deaths for the year 2023 from 2022’s total. Drowning accounted for the majority of these deaths, with around 3,700 cases.
The IOM has expressed concern that these already dire figures could be underreported. Despite improvements in the methods of data collection, many fatalities likely remain unrecorded. The emotional and societal impact of these deaths is immense, and IOM Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels stressed the compounding human tragedies involved.
Recent years have also seen a significant uptick in migrant deaths within Asia. The IOM identified more than 2,000 deaths, which surpassed the annual average of under 1,000 recorded since 2014. Last year alone 2,138 migrants died in Asia, a slight increase from the preceding year.
Increased mortalities among Afghans attempting to escape to nations such as Iran, and the perilous ocean expeditions faced by Rohingya refugees, were particularly highlighted as contributors to the Asian death toll by IOM spokesperson Jorge Galindo.
Last year also brought a record number of deaths in the African continent, with most casualties occurring in the Sahara Desert or along sea routes to the Canary Islands. The IOM cites challenges in data collection, particularly in remote and treacherous areas like the “Darien Gap” in Panama, a common route for migrants traveling from South America to the north.
The establishment of IOM’s “Missing Migrants” project in 2014, aimed at tracking these deaths, was prompted by the emergency increase in Mediterranean deaths and the migration crisis on the Italian island of Lampedusa.
FAQs
Why is the number of migrant deaths rising?
The number of migrant deaths is rising due to more dangerous transit routes, increased conflicts and displacements, and stringent immigration politics making safe passage more difficult.
What causes most migrant deaths?
Migrant deaths are most frequently caused by drowning, particularly while attempting to cross bodies of water like the Mediterranean Sea, but also include exposure, dehydration, and violence along land routes.
Why are the numbers likely underestimated?
The actual numbers of migrant deaths are likely underestimated due to the challenges in collecting data in remote and dangerous areas, scarce resources, and the fact that many deaths occur in desolate locations or are not reported.
Conclusion
The dire statistics released by the International Organization for Migration starkly emphasize the ongoing global crisis facing migrants. Despite increasing awareness and efforts to develop safer routes and improve humanitarian assistance, the number of deaths continues to climb, providing a morbid testament to the perils faced by those seeking refuge and better opportunities. The stark data serves as a clarion call for the international community to seek compassionate and effective solutions to this humanitarian catastrophe.
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