Migrant deaths on Middle East, North Africa routes reach highest levels since 2017

The highest number of deaths on land routes in the region last year was recorded in war-torn Yemen.

Wednesday 14/06/2023

Migrants stand onboard a fishing boat in the port of Paleochora after a rescue operation off the island of Crete, Greece. (Reuters)

GENEVA –

Nearly 3,800 people died on migration routes within and from the Middle East and North Africa last year, the highest number recorded there since 2017, according to data published on Tuesday by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

The United Nations migration agency’s Missing Migrants Project (MMP) recorded 3,789 deaths in 2022 along sea and land routes in the region, including crossings of the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea.

It said the recorded death toll, which was 11% higher than that compiled in 2021 and the highest since the 4,255 documented six years ago, was likely much higher in reality due to scarce official data and limited access to migration routes for civil society and international organisations.

“This alarming death toll on migration routes within and from the MENA region demands immediate attention and concerted efforts to enhance the safety and protection of migrants,” said Othman Belbeisi, IOM Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

IOM said the highest number of deaths on land routes in the region last year was recorded in war-torn Yemen, where the agency said that targeted violence against migrants had increased.

On sea routes from the region to Europe, IOM recorded an increase in deadly incidents on boats travelling to Greece and Italy from Lebanon.

“As many as 84% of those who perished along sea routes remain unidentified, leaving desperate families in search of answers,” the IOM report said.