STORY: These migrants, disembarking on El Hierro in the Canary Islands on Thursday, are among the lucky ones.
:: La Restinga, Spain
They’ve survived the treacherous route to Spain.
But, according to a report released this week by migrant aid group Walking Borders, a record number did not in 2024.
10,457 people died, it said, attempting to reach Spain via all routes.
That’s nearly 30 people every day.
The vast majority died at sea on the Atlantic route – trying to reach the Canary Islands from Africa’s Atlantic Coast.
One disaster took place on December 19, when authorities in Mali said a makeshift boat carrying around 80 people capsized off Morocco.
At least 69 people died.
:: Arguineguin, Spain
:: December 25, 2024
The Atlantic route has seen a surge this year, with 41,425 arrivals from January to November – exceeding 2023’s record of 39,910.
Years of conflict in the Sahel region, which includes Mali, as well as unemployment and the impact of climate change on farming communities are among reasons why people attempt the crossing, according to Walking Borders.
The aid group blamed a lack of action or arbitrary rescues and the criminalization of migrants for the increased deaths.
It also accused governments of “the prioritization of immigration control over the right to life.”
