Nearly 9,000 people lost their lives last year while attempting to cross borders, according to new statistics published by the United Nations’ migration agency.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) recorded at least 8,938 migrant deaths in 2024, marking the highest toll for the fifth consecutive year. However, the agency warns that the actual number of fatalities is likely much higher, as many deaths go unreported or undocumented.
“The rise in deaths is horrifying in itself, but the fact that thousands remain unidentified each year is even more tragic,” said Julia Black, coordinator for IOM’s Missing Migrants Project. She emphasized that beyond the anguish and unanswered questions faced by families of missing migrants, the lack of comprehensive data on migration risks hinders life-saving responses.
Asia and the Mediterranean Among Deadliest Routes
Asia recorded the highest number of migrant deaths last year, with 2,788 fatalities. The Mediterranean Sea followed closely, with 2,452 people losing their lives attempting to reach Europe.
Every year, thousands of migrants perish in the Mediterranean, hoping to reach European shores. According to the UN’s Missing Migrants Project, at least 24,506 people died or went missing at sea between 2014 and 2024.
In 2024 alone, over 2,200 migrants lost their lives or disappeared in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, as of early March 2025, nearly 8,963 migrants have already reached Italy, according to the country’s Interior Ministry.
