Report Reveals Heightened Perils on Land Routes for African Migrants

A recent joint report by the UN refugee and migration agencies, along with the Mixed Migration Centre, has shed light on the escalating dangers faced by migrants and refugees traveling northward through Africa towards the Mediterranean and Europe. The findings underscore that the land routes, particularly through the Sahara desert, have become increasingly perilous, with criminal groups subjecting travelers to severe abuse.

Vincent Cochetel, the UNHCR Special Envoy for the Western & Central Mediterranean Situation, emphasized the grim realities uncovered in the report titled “On this Journey, No One Cares If You Live Or Die.” He highlighted that many migrants report knowing someone who has perished along these routes, with higher mortality rates on land than at sea. The risk of sexual and gender-based violence has also surged, now standing at 15%, up from 12.5% in previous assessments.

Also Read:Devastating Landslides Bury 670 in Papua New Guinea Tragedy

The report paints a stark contrast between the risks faced on land and sea routes. While the Mediterranean remains infamous as the deadliest maritime path for migrants globally, land crossings in Africa are now twice as deadly. Kidnapping has emerged as a significant new threat, mentioned by 18% of respondents compared to just 2% four years ago, illustrating a disturbing trend in the tactics used by criminal networks operating along these routes.

The surge in migration towards the Mediterranean is attributed to escalating conflicts and instability in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Sudan. However, the primary origins of migrants are noted as Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Guinea, reflecting broader regional dynamics driving migration.

As international organizations and governments grapple with these alarming trends, calls for enhanced protection mechanisms, humanitarian assistance, and comprehensive migration policies have intensified. Addressing the root causes of migration, improving security along migration routes, and ensuring respect for human rights are critical steps needed to mitigate the suffering endured by vulnerable migrants and refugees on their perilous journeys.