More than 5,600 migrants have died since early last year, more than 250 due to “push backs”

At least 5,684 migrants have died en route to Europe since the beginning of last year. This was stated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The UN agency reported that more than 29,000 migrants have died since 2014.

The International Organization for Migration says that over the past two years, the number of migrant deaths has increased. There have been 2,836 deaths and disappearances reported on the route from North Africa to Italy, nearly 600 more than the past two years.

In the same period, 1,532 people died while crossing from West Africa to the Canary Islands. This is the highest number since the International Organization for Migration began tracking numbers eight years ago. According to the International Organization for Migration, the actual number of dead migrants is higher, with some boats sinking without being found.

The number of deaths has also increased since last year on other routes, such as the border between Turkey and Greece, the Balkan route and the route across the Channel to England. According to the International Organization for Migration, much suffering could have been avoided if the migrants in need had been given quick and effective assistance.

The UN agency says at least 252 migrants have been killed in illegal pushbacks in the past two years. Migrants are forcibly returned across the border. It’s the first time these numbers have been included in the statistics.

Of the vast majority (17,000 of the more than 29,000 dead), it is not known where the people came from. Most of the migrants identified were from Syria, Morocco and Algeria.

The UN agency is calling on European countries to ensure safe routes for migrants and to speed up search and rescue operations.