Geneva: Europe and the Arabs

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has expressed concern over the deaths or disappearances of more than 180 people in recent migrant shipwrecks in the Mediterranean Sea, bringing the total number of deaths in 2026 close to 1,000, according to new data released by the organization.

In the Central Mediterranean region alone, the IOM reported that some 765 people have died this year, an increase of more than 460 compared to the same period last year – a rise of over 150 percent.

Across the Mediterranean as a whole, at least 990 deaths have been recorded in 2026, making the start of this year one of the deadliest since 2014, according to the UN Daily News, a copy of which was received Wednesday morning.

IOM Director General Amy Pope said that these tragedies demonstrate, once again, that enormous numbers of people continue to risk their lives on perilous journeys. She added: “Saving lives must be the top priority. But we also need stronger, more concerted efforts to stop human traffickers and smugglers from exploiting vulnerable people and to expand safe and regular pathways to ensure that no one ever has to make these deadly journeys.”

Despite a sharp drop in arrivals, the death toll continues to rise. Italy has recorded some 6,200 arrivals so far in 2026, down from 9,400 in the same period of 2025. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) warned that search and rescue capacity remains insufficient, calling for enhanced coordination to save lives at sea and urging the expansion of legal migration pathways to reduce reliance on perilous crossings.

The IOM was founded in 1951 in the aftermath of World War II to assist and resettle displaced people. It began its work by relocating nearly one million migrants from Europe to countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. The organization joined the United Nations in 2016 and became the coordinator of the UN Migration Network. Today it has 175 member states and 8 observer states, with offices in more than 100 countries worldwide.