Almost 8,000 migrants died or vanished on routes in 2025: UN
Deutsche Welle
February 26, 2026
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The United Nations' International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that at least 7,667 people went missing or died on global migration routes in 2025, marking a decrease from 9,200 deaths recorded the previous year. Despite this decline, the number is still alarmingly high and highlights the ongoing dangers faced by migrants worldwide. The IOM has called for increased financial support for rescue organizations and stronger international efforts to dismantle smuggling networks that contribute to these losses.
The figures reveal a concerning trend: while deaths in some regions, such as the Mediterranean and West Africa, showed slight decreases compared to 2024, other areas saw significant increases. In Asia and along routes between the Horn of Africa, Yemen, and Gulf states, nearly 4,000 people lost their lives—up from previous years. This spike is attributed to growing numbers of Afghan refugees fleeing conflict and instability in their homeland.
The situation in 2026 has already raised alarms, with a sharp increase in fatalities recorded early in the year. Over 600 deaths have been reported in the Mediterranean alone, surpassing the same period in 2025 when only 285 cases were documented. Additionally, reports of missing individuals and bodies found on boats drifting across the Atlantic from Africa to Brazil underscore the perilous nature of these journeys.
The IOM emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated search-and-rescue operations and stronger international cooperation to combat criminal networks involved in human trafficking and smuggling. Without addressing these issues, the loss of life on migration routes will continue to rise, leaving countless families devastated and communities destabilized.
This issue matters globally because it reflects a broader failure to provide safe pathways for migrants seeking refuge or better opportunities. When governments fail to offer legal and secure routes, people are forced into dangerous situations, often at the mercy of smugglers and traffickers. The UN urges immediate action to expand safe migration channels and protect vulnerable populations, regardless of their status. The ongoing loss of life is not inevitable—and it’s a global responsibility to prevent further tragedy.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/26/2026