Fatal Journeys: Tracking Lives Lost during Migration
the number of deaths, including changes in the volume of border crossings, variations in the locations where migrants attempt to cross the border, and fluctuations in weather patterns. Still more migrants lose their lives transiting through Mexico, often due to the activities of criminal groups. Although various sources suggest migrants are dying in large numbers along this stretch of the migration route, the scale of deaths is challenging to enumerate. Mexican authorities have recovered remains in mass graves, including those of 72 migrants following a massacre on a remote ranch in 2010 (Tuckman, 2010). Roughly 11,000 migrants were reportedly kidnapped over a six month period in 2010, according to the National Human Rights Commission (Comisión Nacional de Derechos Humanos, cited in Amnesty International, 2012). In addition to criminal activities, reports of Central Americans perishing in rail accidents are common. For example, on 25 August 2013, 11 Central American migrants were killed and many more were injured when the cargo train they were riding derailed in Tabasco (Government of the State of Tabasco, 2013). At least 250 Honduran migrants were aboard the train. As further indication of the scale of deaths, last year the Foreign Affairs Ministry of El Salvador repatriated from Mexico the remains of 99 migrants; through the first eight months of 2014, 64 bodies were returned home (information obtained from the Foreign Affairs Ministry of El Salvador). However, from this data is it not possible to distinguish whether deaths are related to the process of migration or due to unrelated causes while residing in Mexico. Less in number, but still of significant concern are deaths occurring in the Caribbean – estimated at 45 so far this year and nearly 200 over the past three years (see Table 1.1). Deaths throughout South America have not been prominent and very little information is known. Research into this region and others not covered in this report is warranted to determine the risks faced by irregular migrants and asylum-seekers, including that of death.
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