The year 2024 has been devastating for those who seek to reach Spain in search of a better life. According to the Right to Life Monitoring 2024 report, published by Caminando Fronteras, more than 10,400 people have lost their lives or disappeared at border crossings, with an average of 30 deaths per day. The figures, closed on December 15, reveal that among the victims there are 421 women and 1,538 minors. Helena Maleno, coordinator of the investigation, has pointed out that these figures show the failure of the rescue and protection systems in the region. The situation is aggravated by the lack of timely relief, the criminalization of migrants and border externalization policies that put their lives at risk.
Why shipwrecks are increasing
Tragedies have multiplied due to several factors. These include the use of precarious vessels, departures in adverse weather conditions and the lack of basic provisions such as water and food. In addition, the omission of the duty to provide relief by some countries and the delay in search operations have been crucial in the increase in the number of victims. Another relevant aspect is the policy of border externalization, which pushes migrants to increasingly dangerous routes. According to the report, these practices violate human rights and prioritize border control over the protection of life.
The deadliest routes
The Atlantic route to the Canary Islands remains the deadliest in the world, with 9,757 victims in 2024. This corridor, which includes departures from countries such as Mauritania and Senegal, has established itself as the main access point to the Canary Islands, with long and dangerous journeys. In addition, the route to the island of El Hierro and the Algerian route to the Balearic Islands have become particularly dangerous due to their complexity and the lack of resources for travelers. In total, the report documents 293 tragedies on the different migratory routes, including 131 boats that disappeared without a trace.
Sexual violence and discrimination: women on the border
The report also highlights the situation of immigrant women, who face alarming levels of sexual violence and discrimination at borders. Women represent 4% of the victims in 2024, a figure that evidences their vulnerability in these contexts. In addition to physical assaults, many women face discrimination during the migration process, which limits their survival options and exposes them to greater risks. Helena Maleno stressed that it is essential to ensure justice and reparation for victims and their families.
