Missing migrants in and from Africa: A look into the data and policy gaps

More than 12,000 deaths during migration have been documented in Africa since 2014, and at least 20,000 African nationals have died or disappeared during migration worldwide. While these figures are certainly a gross underestimate of the true number of missing migrants in the African context, they nonetheless indicate the urgency of addressing this issue. This chapter discusses the far-reaching impacts that these disappearances and deaths have on families and communities on the continent and beyond, and urges action on three core areas: prevention of further deaths and disappearances; resolution of cases of missing migrants (including the identification of unknown bodies whose migratory status is undetermined); and support for families directly impacted by these tragedies. With tens of thousands of Africans directly affected by these tragedies across the continent, the time for Africa to take the lead on resolving the crisis of missing migrants is now.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Life on Land