U.N. migration agency records nearly 8,600 deaths of migrants in 2023
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United Nations’ migration agency said on Wednesday nearly 8,600 migrants died in 2023 across the world.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 2023 was the deadliest year on record for migrants with more than 8,500 migrants dying on land and sea routes.
“At least 8,565 people died on migration routes worldwide in 2023, making it the deadliest year on record, according to data collected by IOM’s Missing Migrants Project, ” the agency said.
This is the highest toll on record since IOM started tallying deaths in 2014.
The agency said the Mediterranean Sea remained the deadliest route for migration with at least 3,129 deaths and disappearances since 2017.
These figures remain below record compared to 5,136 deaths recorded in 2016 on the Mediterranean as massive numbers of migrants from Syria, Afghanistan and other countries headed towards Europe to escape conflicts.
Moreover, Ugochi Daniels, IOM Deputy Director General, said “These horrifying figures collected by the Missing Migrants Project are also a reminder that we must recommit to greater action that can ensure safe migration for all, so that 10 years from now, people aren’t having to risk their lives in search of a better one.”
The death toll in 2023 increased by 20 percent compared to 2022, according to IOM.