Death and disappearance of 72,000 migrants worldwide over a decade

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the UN announced that over 72,000 cases of migrant deaths and disappearances have been recorded on global migration routes in the past ten years, with the majority occurring in crisis-affected countries. 

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 2024 recorded the highest number of migrant deaths. 

In the past year alone, 8,938 people lost their lives on migration routes. 

Amy Pope, Director General of the IOM, stated in a release: “These numbers are a tragic reminder that people risk their lives when insecurity, lack of opportunity, and other pressures leave them without safe or viable options at home.” 

The UN agency’s report indicates that approximately three-quarters of all recorded migrant deaths and disappearances worldwide have occurred since 2014. 

Recently, Othman Belbeisi, IOM Deputy Director General for Operations, said: “The tragedy of the rising number of migrant deaths worldwide is unacceptable and preventable. Behind every number is a human being. The increase in deaths in many regions of the world shows why we need a comprehensive and international response to prevent further tragic losses.”