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More than 52,000 people have died while attempting to flee crisis-affected countries since 2014, the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported in a statement on Tuesday.
According to the agency, many migrants embark on dangerous journeys out of sheer desperation, escaping insecurity, conflict, disasters, and other humanitarian emergencies.
"Since 2014, more than 52,000 people have died trying to escape from countries affected by crises. This figure represents nearly three-quarters of all migrant deaths recorded globally during the same period," the statement noted.
Among them are more than 39,000 individuals who died while trapped in unsafe conditions inside crisis zones, and over 13,500 who lost their lives trying to flee from conflict or disasters.
The statement noted that over 5,000 people fleeing Afghanistan after the 2021 political upheaval died during transit, while more than 3,100 Rohingya Muslims escaping Myanmar perished in maritime disasters.
The Central Mediterranean remains the deadliest migration route globally, with some 25,000 people reported missing at sea.
The agency underscored that not enough has been done to protect those forced to move, calling for greater global cooperation.
“These numbers are a tragic reminder that people are risking their lives when they have no safe or viable options left due to insecurity, lack of opportunity, and other pressures,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope.
Pope emphasized the need to invest in creating stability and opportunity for vulnerable communities, making migration a matter of choice, not necessity.
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