Over 1400 African Irregular Migrants Died in 2020 - IOM.

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By Lucky Isibor



About 1483 Africans lost their lives to irregular migration out of the about 3101 that died while trying to reach their international destinations through irregular routes in 2020.

According to data released by the Missing Migrant Project of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as part of activities to commemorate the 2020 Migrants Day on 18 December,  the deaths were recorded across six regions of the world between 1 January and 16 December 2020.

A press release by "The Migrant Project" signed by the media officer, Tayo Elegbede,  revealed that "the data showed  Africans make up the highest number of dead irregular migrants at 1,483 followed by Americans at 580 with Asia, the Middle East and Europe accounting for the origin of 352, 147 and two dead migrants respectively".

The statement noted that "while 1,504 deaths were recorded on the Mediterranean sea, the minimal estimate data set further revealed that more migrants died in Africa more than other continents at 919. About 646 migrants died in the Americas while Asia, the Middle East and Europe accounted for the deaths of 291, 105 and 85 irregular migrants respectively.
 
“It is disturbing that despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, irregular migration and human trafficking continue to thrive resulting in the death of many Africans,”

 
The statement pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic has further increased the push factors, risks and dangers of irregular migration across the world.
 
“Before the pandemic, Africa was prominent for irregular migration due to poverty and social inequality. With economic depression across the world, we are seeing rising numbers in both regular and irregular migration from Nigeria and other African countries.”

While advising potential migrants to avoid desperation, Elegbede noted in the statement that migration is not a crime if done the right way and urged state and non-state institutions to enplace socio-economic support for the teeming African youth whilst promoting safe and regular migration.

 
“Our advice to potential migrants is to avoid desperation without direction and seek information from verified sources in order not to be victims of irregular migration, human trafficking and migratory fraud.”

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