Number of missing or dead migrants doubles despite decrease in attempted crossings: UN report

While attempted migrant crossings along the Central Mediterranean route has decreased, the number of migrants who were missing or found dead has doubled, according to the United Nations’ 2026 World Migration report.

International Organisation for Migration (IOM) researcher  Stuart Russell Campo said the data showed the routes taken by migrants were “becoming more dangerous and treacherous”.

The report also showed that internal displacement was rising sharply, driven by conflict, violence and disaster.

IOM spokesperson Zoe Brennan said that “83.4 million people were internally displaced within their own countries” by the end of 2024, adding that it was “the highest number ever recorded”.

“This underscores that most displacement happens within countries rather than across borders,” she said.

Brennan says the report aims to provide a guide on how countries can cooperate on the issue of migration.

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