Nearly 7,900 Migrants Died or Disappeared in 2025, UN Report States

The latest figures from the UN, compiled by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), paint a grim picture of the ongoing migrant crisis. In 2025, an estimated 7,900 migrants perished or vanished along perilous routes worldwide. While this number represents a slight decrease from the record high of 9,200 in 2024, it underscores the persistent and escalating global failure to prevent these avoidable tragedies.

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Les près de 8.000 décès enregistrés en 2025 marquent la poursuite et l’aggravation d’un échec mondial à mettre fin à ces décès évitables

The IOM's annual report highlights the Central Mediterranean as the most lethal route, claiming 1,330 lives in the past year alone. However, a deeply concerning trend has emerged in Asia, which has witnessed an unprecedented surge in migrant deaths. This includes hundreds of Rohingya and Afghan individuals, a stark reminder that those fleeing conflict and persecution remain exposed to mortal dangers.

While the overall decrease in numbers might suggest a glimmer of hope, the IOM cautions against complacency. The organization attributes the decline partly to a reduction in the number of people attempting dangerous irregular migration routes, particularly in the Americas. However, it also points to significant financial restrictions imposed on humanitarian organizations, which are crucial for documenting these deaths. This raises concerns that the actual figures may be even higher than reported.

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l’Asie a enregistré un nombre de décès sans précédent, parmi lesquels des centaines de Rohingyas et d’Afghans, ce qui montre que ceux qui fuient les conflits et les persécutions continuent d’être exposés à des risques mortels

The situation in the Americas, for instance, saw a dramatic drop in recorded deaths, from 1,272 in 2024 to 408 in 2025. While this might seem positive, IOM officials emphasize that migration has not necessarily become safer. The decrease in recorded deaths could be due to a reduced ability to collect data, particularly in regions where financial constraints are most acute. The shift in US migration policy and the closure of its southern border are also cited as factors influencing migratory flows in Latin America.

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Cela ne signifie pas que la migration est devenue plus sûre dans la région. Nous continuons de constater des décès de migrants dans toute la région, et le fait que nous soyons peut-être moins en mesure de les recenser actuellement ne signifie pas qu’ils ne se produisent pas