Cairo, 13 June – More than half of the 8,600 migrant deaths and disappearances worldwide in 2023 were recorded in migration routes in and from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, according to a new report by the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Missing Migrants Project. 

The number of migrants who lost their lives or went missing during their migration journeys on routes within or from the MENA region in 2023 increased to 4,984, compared to 3,820 in 2022, according to the report. 

“In light of these alarming findings, enhanced collaboration in search and rescue operations, both at sea and on desert routes, is essential to prevent further loss of life. Additionally, it is imperative to provide comprehensive support to the families of missing migrants,” said Othman Belbeisi, IOM’s Regional Director for MENA. 

Key findings from the report indicate that the MENA region has become a critical transit area for migrants. In 2023, over 215,508 migrants reached Europe via the Mediterranean, according to the IOM's Displacement Tracking Matrix. Tragically, more than 3,155 migrants lost their lives attempting the crossing, with 1,878 fatalities occurring off the coasts of MENA countries. These figures likely underestimate the true scale of the crisis, as many deaths and disappearances go unreported or unnoticed. 

The report also sheds light on the perilous nature of land routes which pose significant challenges for search and rescue (SAR) operations. As a result, many deaths on these routes go unreported, suggesting that the real figure of fatalities is likely much higher than recorded figures indicate. In 2023, 399 migrants died or disappeared on these routes, marking a significant increase from previous years. Notably, the 161 fatalities recorded on Sahara Desert crossings represented a 73 per cent increase compared to 2022, underscoring the persistent dangers faced by migrants. 

Migrant children are particularly vulnerable and need special protection against the multiple dangers they face along their journey. Alarmingly, since 2014, 3,372¹ migrant children have lost their lives worldwide, with 913 fatalities recorded in MENA countries alone. This tragic statistic underscores the urgent need for enhanced protective measures and international cooperation to prevent further loss of young lives. 

The upcoming Global Compact for Migration (GCM) regional reviews present an opportunity to implement and showcase the recommendations from the United Nations Network on Migration (UNNM).  

“Given that GCM Objective 8, which focuses on saving lives and establishing coordinated international efforts on missing migrants, has been one of the least discussed objectives, it is now time to prioritize and take decisive action,” said Mr Belbeisi. “The regional reviews are right around the corner, and we must seize this moment to advance meaningful and lasting solutions to this humanitarian crisis.” 

*Includes deaths in the Central and Western Mediterranean, on the Eastern Mediterranean departing from Lebanon, Syria Arab Republic and Cyprus, and on the Atlantic route to the Spanish Canary Islands.  

Note to Editors: 

Since 2014, IOM’s Missing Migrants Project has recorded more than 65,000 deaths and disappearances worldwide of people who die or go missing in the process of migration towards an international destination, regardless of their legal status.  

These numbers are an undercount due to the limitations in data collection, and the lack of systematic and timely data sources. The Missing Migrants Project currently gathers information from diverse sources such as official records from national and local authorities, intergovernmental and civil society organizations, and the media, the latter being the main source of data in many MENA countries which do not produce official reporting.  

Click here to access the full report.  

¹ These numbers represent only confirmed cases. It is challenging to obtain complete data, including specifics on gender, on remote and maritime routes, making that identification nearly impossible. 
 

For more information, please contact:

In Cairo: Tamim Elyan, telyan@iom.int   

In Berlin: Jorge Galindo, IOM GDI, Tel: +4915225216775, Email: jgalindo@iom.int