Chapter 1 Migrant Deaths: An International Overview
Where are deaths occurring? Figure 1.2: Regions in which migrant deaths occurred, January–September 2014 1% 2%
1% 1%
3%
Mediterranean
5%
East Africa
6%
North America 6%
Bay of Bengal Horn of Africa South-East Asia 75%
Sahara Caribbean Other n = 4,077
Source: Notes:
IOM’s own calculations based on data from various sources. See footnote 2. (a) Generally, regions correspond with UN classifications of regions. (b) East Africa excludes the Horn of Africa. (c) Deaths occurring while trying to reach Spanish enclaves are included in totals for the Mediterranean. (d) North America refers to deaths along the United States–Mexico border.
Mediterranean Based on the data compiled by IOM, the large majority of deaths in 2014 occurred in the Mediterranean, accounting for an estimated 75 per cent (3,072) of all deaths this year, making it the deadliest sea in the world for migrants (see Figure 1.1 and Figure 1.2).5 When looking at numbers compiled over time, at least 22,400 people are estimated to have lost their lives trying to reach Europe since 2000 (IOM calculation based on The Migrants Files data).6 This means on average nearly 1,500 migrants died each year during this period. Based on available data, 2014 represents the deadliest year in this time period, with more than twice as many deaths occurring in the first nine months of the year than took place during the Arab Spring of 2011 when an estimated 1,500 lost their lives crossing the Mediterranean (UNHCR, 2012). The figure is almost five times 5
6
20
The high share of deaths in the Mediterranean is likely in part due to the availability of better data for this region. Estimate calculated using data compiled by The Migrants Files and enhanced with IOM 2014 data where needed. This figure includes deaths near European external land and sea borders. While The Migrants Files includes deaths that occur within Europe due to conditions in detention, efforts of irregular migrants to evade detection, and at times even death following return to origin countries, this count excludes such cases, focusing only on deaths occurring at external borders. Furthermore, The Migrants Files includes data on deaths in the Sahara and other areas of Africa when migrants are presumed to be en route to Europe. The above estimate excludes these cases.
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