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US-Mexico border, ‘world’s deadliest’ overland migration route: International Organization for Migration

3 comments

  1. [3]
    Amun
    Link
    The United States-Mexico border is the world’s deadliest land route for migrants, with at least 686 deaths and disappearances last year, the UN migration agency (IOM). Throughout the Americas,...
    The United States-Mexico border is the world’s deadliest land route for migrants, with at least 686 deaths and disappearances last year, the UN migration agency (IOM).

    Nearly half of the deaths on the border were linked to the hazardous crossing of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts.

    “These alarming figures are a stark reminder of the need for decisive action by States,” said Michele Klein Solomon, IOM’s Regional Director for Central and North America and the Caribbean.

    Throughout the Americas, 1,457 migrant deaths and disappearances were recorded in 2022, the deadliest year on record, according to IOM.

    However, these figures represent the “lowest estimates” available as many deaths were likely not recorded due to lack of data.

    Other concerning trends in the Americas included an over 42 per cent increase in deaths on migration routes in the Caribbean last year and the continuing dramatic situation at the Darien Gap.

    The especially dangerous jungle border crossing between Panama and Colombia saw 141 documented migrant deaths in 2022

    The UN agency revealed that according to its surveys of people who attempted that crossing, one in 25 reported that someone they were traveling with had gone missing.

    “The fact that we know so little about migrants who disappear in the Americas is a grim reality,” said Marcelo Pisani, IOM Regional Director for South America”

    Agencies, including IOM and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) have been advocating for a “collaborative, comprehensive and regional approach” in responding to humanitarian and protection needs of people on the move across the whole region.


    1 vote
    1. [2]
      JCPhoenix
      Link Parent
      I'm surprised that the US-Mexico border would be the most deadly. I thought that Darien Gap jungle crossing in Panama would be much more deadly. But I suppose that's just the documented deaths and...

      I'm surprised that the US-Mexico border would be the most deadly. I thought that Darien Gap jungle crossing in Panama would be much more deadly. But I suppose that's just the documented deaths and disappearances.

      1 vote
      1. Eji1700
        Link Parent
        Yeah i had similar thoughts as well. Be interesting to talk to an expert on the subject to understand how much of this is "it's the worst we can prove" vs "no it really is just that bad"

        Yeah i had similar thoughts as well. Be interesting to talk to an expert on the subject to understand how much of this is "it's the worst we can prove" vs "no it really is just that bad"

        1 vote