Fri Mar 21 15:38:27 UTC 2025: ## Migrant Deaths Reach Record High in 2024: UN Agency

**Geneva, Switzerland** – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported Friday that 2024 was the deadliest year on record for migrants, with nearly 9,000 confirmed deaths on perilous journeys across the globe. This represents a significant increase from previous years and highlights the urgent need for international cooperation, according to the agency.

The IOM’s data, spanning back to 2014, reveals a concerning upward trend in migrant fatalities since 2021. The deadliest routes were identified as those traversing Asia, followed by the Mediterranean Sea and African routes, including the Sahara Desert. The agency stresses that the actual number of deaths is likely far higher, as many fatalities go unrecorded.

IOM Deputy Director General for Operations Ugochi Daniels stated that the rise in deaths across various regions underscores the necessity for a comprehensive, international response to prevent further tragedies. The agency itself is facing challenges, having experienced major funding cuts from the United States, forcing it to curtail vital programs that assist displaced people. These cuts, according to the IOM, will severely impact its ability to support migrants in need.

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