The UN migration agency reported on Friday that nearly 9,000 people lost their lives last year while attempting to cross borders, marking the highest death toll for the fifth consecutive year.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 8,938 migrant deaths were recorded in 2024. However, the actual number is likely much higher, as many fatalities go unreported or undocumented.
“The rising death toll while attempt to cross border is tragic, but even more heartbreaking is that thousands of victims remain unidentified each year,” said Julia Black, coordinator of IOM’s Missing Migrants Project.
Asia had the highest number of recorded fatalities, with 2,788 deaths, followed by the Mediterranean Sea (2,452) and Africa (2,242). Additionally, IOM noted an unprecedented 341 deaths in the Caribbean, 233 in Europe, and a record 174 in the Darién Gap between Colombia and Panama.
The report comes just days after IOM announced it would be suspending many of its “lifesaving” programs and laying off hundreds of employees due to U.S.-led aid cuts, affecting millions of vulnerable migrants worldwide.
The growing number of migrant deaths highlights the worsening risks faced by those fleeing conflict, persecution, and economic hardship in search of safety and better opportunities. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called for stronger international cooperation to ensure safer migration pathways and prevent further loss of life.
IOM officials stress that restrictive border policies and dangerous routes contribute to the increasing death toll. In regions like the Mediterranean and the Darién Gap, migrants often rely on smugglers and overcrowded boats, putting their lives at extreme risk.
The recent funding cuts to humanitarian aid programs are expected to further exacerbate the crisis. With fewer resources, IOM and other organizations may struggle to provide essential services, such as search-and-rescue missions, shelter, and medical assistance for displaced people.
“The international community must urgently address the root causes of forced migration and invest in safer, more humane policies,” Black added.
As border controls tighten in many countries, migration experts warn that desperate individuals may take even riskier routes, leading to even more fatalities in the years ahead.
