UN Reports 922 Migrant Deaths in Red Sea in 2025

The United Nations has reported that 2025 has become the deadliest year for migrants crossing the Red Sea, with 922 deaths recorded, which is double the number from the previous year. Tanja Pacifico, head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) mission in Djibouti, stated that the majority of these migrants are from Ethiopia and Somalia, seeking work in wealthier Gulf countries.

The IOM emphasizes its commitment to promoting safe and dignified migration pathways to prevent further tragedies. Many migrants find themselves trapped in Yemen, the poorest country on the Arabian Peninsula, which has been embroiled in civil war for nearly a decade.

Despite Ethiopia's projected economic growth of around 10 percent by 2026, the country continues to face multiple internal conflicts and deep poverty, which drive migration. The IOM aims to mitigate the high inflation rate, currently around 10 percent, which further complicates the migration situation.