Crisis deepens: Migrant deaths in Asia surge 59% in 2024

• In 2024, at least 2,514 migrants died in Asia, which is an increase of 59 per cent compared to 2023.
• The most vulnerable groups are the Muslim Rohingya minority and Afghans.
• Migrants are dying not only due to conflicts, but also because of dangerous boat journeys and smuggler abuses.

The data published for 2024 indicates a 59 per cent increase compared to the 1,584 fatalities recorded in 2023, highlighting the increasing dangers for those forced to leave their homes.

"No one should lose their life in pursuit of safety"

As Iori Kato, IOM’s regional director for Asia and the Pacific, emphasises: — Every life lost on migration routes in Asia, or anywhere else, is a stark reminder of the urgent need for safe and regular migration pathways – these are preventable tragedies.

The dramatic increase in deaths primarily affected the two most vulnerable groups in the region: the Muslim Rohingya minority fleeing Myanmar and Afghans seeking refuge from conflicts and instability. — The increase in deaths across Asia of people fleeing conflict and persecution in the region is of grave concern, — noted Kato.

In 2024, at least 1,517 Afghan migrants died during transit, which represents a 39 per cent increase compared to 2023. The death toll among Rohingya migrants more than doubled, reaching 889 compared to 436 in the previous year. UN News points out that on 5 August 2024 alone, over 150 people died due to artillery fire while attempting to cross the Naf River from Myanmar to Bangladesh.

"The risks facing migrants extended beyond conflict-related violence," indicates IOM. Many people risk their lives, travelling on overcrowded and dangerous boats, falling victim to smuggler abuses, and facing extreme weather conditions.