Geneva, July 6, 2024: A groundbreaking report backed by the United Nations has unveiled the unimaginable horrors faced by refugees and migrants traversing treacherous land routes across Africa to reach the Mediterranean, with deaths in the desert potentially eclipsing those at sea.
Sahara’s Deadly Embrace
While nearly 30,000 migrants have perished or vanished attempting to cross the Mediterranean in the past decade, the report, compiled by the UNHCR, IOM, and the Mixed Migration Centre, reveals a staggering 1,180 confirmed deaths in the Sahara Desert alone between January 2020 and May 2024. However, this figure is likely a gross underestimate, with experts believing thousands more succumb to the unforgiving desert each year.
Unveiling the Untold Suffering
Based on over 31,000 interviews with refugees and migrants, the report paints a grim picture of pervasive violence, abuse, and exploitation along these routes. Torture, kidnapping, rape, robbery, arbitrary detention, and collective expulsions are just some of the horrors endured by those seeking refuge or a better life.
Abandoned by smugglers, succumbing to illness, or simply perishing from exposure, migrants face a grim fate in the absence of adequate aid and search-and-rescue systems.
Soaring Migration Amidst Escalating Crises
Despite the well-documented dangers, the report notes a surge in migration through Africa, driven by escalating conflicts, climate change-induced disasters, and pervasive xenophobia. UNHCR data reveals a threefold increase in arrivals in Tunisia between 2020 and 2023, highlighting the urgency of addressing this humanitarian crisis.
Urgent Call for Protection and Solutions
The report underscores the imperative need for enhanced protection along these perilous routes, emphasizing that this is not about facilitating movement, but rather about safeguarding human lives and upholding fundamental rights.
The report further reveals that a staggering 40% of migrants surveyed experienced physical violence during their journey, while 18% faced the threat of kidnapping, 15% risked sexual violence, and 14% feared death.
Organ Trafficking: A Disturbing Reality
Disturbingly, an estimated “hundreds” of migrants have fallen prey to organ traffickers in some countries, highlighting the desperation and vulnerability of those forced to undertake these perilous journeys.
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
