Geneva: Nearly 9,000 migrants lost their lives in 2024 while attempting dangerous journeys, making it the deadliest year on record, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The UN migration agency reported that at least 10 percent of these deaths resulted from violent incidents such as shootings, stabbings, and beatings.
IOM data revealed that Asian migration routes claimed the most lives, followed by the treacherous Mediterranean crossings and African routes, including the perilous Sahara Desert.
“The increase in deaths across so many regions in the world shows why we need an international, holistic response that can prevent further tragic loss of life,” said Ugochi Daniels, IOM Deputy Director General for Operations.
‼️ 2024 is the deadliest year on record for migrants.
The rising death toll highlights the need for safe, legal routes for people on the move.
— IOM – UN Migration 🇺🇳 (@UNmigration) March 21, 2025
The highest number of violent migrant deaths occurred in Iran, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Mexico, though the agency did not specify the responsible parties.
Since 2021, the number of migrant deaths recorded annually has steadily increased. However, the true toll is believed to be much higher due to unrecorded cases and a lack of official tracking in many regions.
The Geneva-based agency, along with other humanitarian organizations assisting displaced people, has faced major funding cuts from the United States. As a result, IOM has been forced to scale back or shut down key aid programs, a move it warns will severely impact migrants in need.
