March 7, 2024
1 min read

UN: Over 8,500 Migrant Deaths in 2023

The overall death toll among migrants saw a concerning surge of nearly 20% compared to 2022…reports Asian Lite News

Last year marked a tragic milestone in global migration as 8,565 migrants lost their lives on land and sea routes, representing a record high since the inception of UN migration data collection a decade ago. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) highlighted the Mediterranean Sea as the deadliest route, witnessing a notable increase in deaths, with 3,129 recorded in 2023, up from 2,411 in the previous year. However, this figure pales in comparison to the peak of 5,136 deaths recorded in 2016 amid mass migrations from conflict-ridden nations like Syria and Afghanistan towards Europe.

The overall death toll among migrants saw a concerning surge of nearly 20% compared to 2022, with drowning accounting for the majority of fatalities, claiming approximately 3,700 lives. The Geneva-based migration agency cautioned that these figures likely underestimate the true toll due to challenges in data collection, despite advancements in methodologies.

Ugochi Daniels, IOM’s deputy director general, emphasized the profound human tragedy behind each statistic, acknowledging the lasting impact on families and communities worldwide. The most significant increase in migrant deaths occurred in Asia, where over 2,000 migrants perished, primarily driven by heightened fatalities among Afghans fleeing to neighboring Iran and Rohingya refugees navigating maritime routes.

In Africa, a record number of deaths were reported last year, totaling 1,866, predominantly in the Sahara Desert and along sea routes to the Canary Islands. Challenges persist in accurately documenting fatalities, particularly in remote areas like the perilous “Darien Gap” in Panama, a transit point for migrants from South America heading north.

Established in 2014 following a surge in Mediterranean deaths and migrant influx on Lampedusa, the IOM’s “Missing Migrants” project continues to track these fatalities, shedding light on the human cost of global migration and advocating for enhanced safety measures to mitigate future tragedies.

ALSO READ: US urges Iran to dilute all its weapons-grade uranium

Previous Story

Empowering Voices

Next Story

Ukraine Mulls Counter-Offensives in 2024

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan in the Dark: Power Crisis Boils Over

Regular power outages are a fact of life in Pakistan, but recent developments suggest that the situation is escalating to new extremes….writes Nasir Khattak In early January 2025, a nerve-breaking power outage

IBPC Dubai charts new growth path

Former Tata Motors CEO Ravi Kant headlines exclusive event as Indian business council sets course for transformation….reports Asian Lite News The Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai has signalled a significant

Miles in the Malls!

Dubai Mallathon kicks off today – The emirate’s biggest malls transform into indoor fitness arenas, inviting residents to walk, run, and win — all while staying cool, healthy, and community-connected….reports Asian Lite

Famine grips Gaza, WHO warns

WHO said Gaza’s population is facing acute food insecurity under the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification…reports Asian Lite News The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued its starkest warning yet about the

Lifeline from UAE to Gaza

UAE’s Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 sustains Gaza’s collapsing health system with hospitals, treatment, aid, and vaccines, offering vital relief to thousands amid deepening crisis….reports Asian Lite News The United Arab Emirates has
Go toTop

Don't Miss

5 UN staff kidnapped in Yemen’s Abyan

A United Nations official confirmed on Saturday that five UN

US expels 12 Russian UN diplomats

Nebenzia said that”the US authorities have undertaken another hostile action