Migrant Deaths Reach Record High in 2024, Says UN Agency

In 2024, nearly 9,000 migrants died while attempting to cross borders, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), setting a grim record for the fifth consecutive year, Al Jazeera reported. The reported death toll of 8,938 likely underestimates the true number, as many fatalities remain unreported.

The IOM highlighted that deaths have more than doubled since 2020, with the most fatalities occurring in Asia (2,788), followed by the Mediterranean Sea (2,452) and Africa (2,242). In the Americas, at least 1,233 deaths were recorded, including 341 in the Caribbean. Europe saw 233 migrant fatalities, while the Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama reported 174 deaths.

IOM officials stressed the urgent need for a holistic international response to prevent further tragedies. This report comes amid significant cuts to lifesaving programs due to reduced U.S. aid, impacting millions of vulnerable migrants and refugees worldwide.