The International Organization for Migration (IOM) revealed that around 8,000 people perished or went missing in 2025 while attempting to migrate through dangerous routes such as the Mediterranean Sea and the Horn of Africa. The organization cautioned that the actual number of casualties may be significantly higher, attributed to reduced funding impacting humanitarian aid distribution and tracking of fatalities.

The report highlighted a concerning trend where legal migration pathways are diminishing, forcing more individuals to resort to human traffickers. As countries like the United States and those in Europe intensify law enforcement and invest heavily in deterrents, the risk to migrants increases, often pushing them towards perilous journeys. This pressing issue raises significant ethical questions about the international community's responsibility to provide safe migration options and protect vulnerable populations.

IOM Director General Amy Pope emphasized that the ongoing loss of life along migration routes reflects a global failure that cannot be normalized. She urged for immediate action to expand safe and legal pathways for migrants and ensure the protection of those in need, irrespective of their legal status. Pope's call underscores the urgency to address the humanitarian crisis and the complexities surrounding global migration policy.