Spike in dangerous Darién jungle crossings underscores need for safe migration pathways, say UN agencies

Surge in child migrants crossing the dangerous Darién Gap: UNICEF

In the first four months of 2024, more than 30,000 children traversed the dense jungle region separating Colombia and Panama, marking a significant increase compared to the same period last year. Among them, about 2,000 were unaccompanied or separated from their families. Additionally, the number of children in transit grew five-times faster than the number…

Read More
World News in Brief, deadliest year for migrants, Syria refugee support crisis, Shamima Begum appeal

World News in Brief, deadliest year for migrants, Syria refugee support crisis, Shamima Begum appeal

Nearly 8,600 people on the move died in 2023, a 20 per cent increase from 2022, according to the UN agency’s Missing Migrants Project online platform. It details the global movement of people risking their lives to escape conflict, economic crisis and natural disasters, including drought and flooding linked to climate change. IOM says the…

Read More
Niger: IOM calls for humanitarian corridor to help stranded migrants

Niger: IOM calls for humanitarian corridor to help stranded migrants

IOM Regional Director Christopher Gascon told reporters in Geneva that 4,800 migrants were hosted by IOM at seven transit centres in the country, awaiting voluntary return. They were primarily from western Africa: Mali, Guinea, Senegal and Nigeria, he said.  Charter flights Mr. Gascon said airport access was crucial to “organise charter flights in order to…

Read More
UNHCR, IOM outline new approach to assist growing number of migrants

UNHCR, IOM outline new approach to assist growing number of migrants

The International Conference on Development and Migration, held on Monday, brought together several UN agencies and representatives from multiple countries involved in managing migration flows to address challenges such as irregular migration and forced international displacement. ‘Complex challenges’ “Forced displacement and mixed movements are complex challenges for all: countries of origin, countries of transit and…

Read More