Fact Check: "Migrant deaths have increased as routes become more dangerous."
What We Know
Recent data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) indicates that 2024 was the deadliest year on record for migrants, with at least 8,938 deaths documented on migration routes worldwide. This figure surpasses the previous record of 8,747 deaths in 2023, marking a continuing trend of increasing fatalities over the past five years (IOM). The rise in deaths is attributed to a combination of perilous migration routes and increased violence against migrants, particularly in regions experiencing conflict or crisis. For instance, nearly 600 deaths were reported due to violence in South and South-eastern Asia alone in 2024 (IOM).
Analysis
The claim that "migrant deaths have increased as routes become more dangerous" is supported by substantial evidence. The IOM's report highlights that the increase in migrant deaths is not only a numerical rise but also reflects the growing dangers associated with migration routes. For example, the Mediterranean Sea continues to be a perilous crossing, with 2,452 deaths recorded in 2024. While this number is not the highest ever recorded for the Mediterranean, it underscores the ongoing risks migrants face (IOM).
Moreover, the data indicates that over half of all migrant deaths in 2024 occurred in countries experiencing crises, such as Libya and Yemen, where the conditions for migrants are particularly hazardous. The IOM emphasizes that many deaths go unrecorded, suggesting that the actual toll is likely much higher than reported (IOM).
In addition, a report from the United Nations highlights a staggering 59% increase in migrant deaths in Asia from 2023 to 2024, further illustrating the escalating dangers faced by migrants (UN). This increase aligns with the assertion that routes have become more dangerous, as migrants are often forced to take more perilous paths due to stricter border controls and the activities of smuggling organizations that abandon individuals in remote areas (CBP).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The evidence clearly supports the claim that migrant deaths have increased as routes have become more dangerous. The data from the IOM and corroborating reports from the UN illustrate a worrying trend of rising fatalities linked to increasingly perilous migration routes and violence against migrants. This situation calls for urgent international responses to create safer migration pathways.
