Repairing the harm of the unspeakable
Global migration routes reveal the scale and complexity of movement across continents, with millions fleeing poverty, violence, and political unrest. From the Central Mediterranean route used by migrants aiming for Europe to dangerous crossings in Central America, these routes expose migrants to extreme risks, including trafficking, exploitation, and life-threatening sea journeys. Often, their journeys end in unintended places, as many transit countries become de facto hosts along these migration pathways.
Click on to explore the world's most significant migration routes.
Even though EU countries with their political and economic stability are a popular destination, refugee numbers remain low compared to the Global South. Many fleeing individuals prefer nearby countries for safety and wish to return home soon.
Many displaced people lack the funds required for long-distance migration to Europe. Additionally, entry restrictions in transit and destination countries hinder their ability to seek refuge in the EU.
Contrary to popular belief, the Global South hosts nearly half of all migrants and over 75% of registered refugees and internally displaced persons, highlighting the prevalence of interregional displacement.
The Central Mediterranean route connects North African countries like Tunisia and Libya to Italy. This path serves as a convergence point for migrants from Western, Central, and Eastern Africa.
The Central Mediterranean route is one of the largest and deadliest migration routes. In 2023, nearly 160,000 people reached Europe via this path, with over 2,000 deaths recorded.
Many children embark on the Central Mediterranean route seeking safety and education. These minors face numerous dangers, including violence, exploitation, and health issues, often traveling alone and without support.
The traumatic experiences of child migrants on the Central Mediterranean route can lead to severe psychological issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Many children require specialized support services to help them cope with their trauma and adapt to new environments.
Upon arrival in Italy, survivors are often placed in overcrowded hot spot centers that restrict movement. Although processing should be done within 72 hours, it frequently extends to one or two months, exacerbating the struggles of vulnerable people.
Migration in the Middle East is highly complex and volatile, driven by prolonged conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. These wars have displaced millions, creating a massive flow across the region.
The Southwest Asia route has become one of the busiest migration corridors globally, with people from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan often using it to reach Turkey and, ultimately, Europe.
In addition to conflict, economic hardship and political instability drive irregular migration in Southwest Asia. People from neighboring countries move within the region, or beyond, seeking safety and stability.
Many migrants depend on smugglers to navigate borders undetected. However, these journeys are risky, as smugglers frequently exploit vulnerable migrants, exposing them to physical and psychological harm.
Children are particularly at risk along these routes, often falling victim to human traffickers. Many are forced into labor or exploitation due to their vulnerability and limited protection on the journey.
The influx of migrants places enormous strain on host countries in the region, such as Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. These countries often struggle to provide adequate resources, healthcare, and shelter to the growing population of displaced people, leading to overcrowded camps and limited access to basic services.
Another significant pathway, the Southeast Asia route, sees migrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh risking dangerous sea crossings, such as over the Andaman, to reach destinations like Indonesia, Thailand, or Malaysia. This journey exposes them to significant dangers as they seek safer conditions and opportunities.
Contrary to popular belief, most African migration happens within the continent as migrants seek better work opportunities in nearby countries. These migrations often go unnoticed, but are crucial for regional economies.
Major migration pathways like the North Africa and Central Mediterranean routes lead migrants from West and North Africa toward Europe. However, Eastern Africa and the Horn of Africa experience high levels of internal migration as well.
Migration in East Africa is driven by conflicts, persecution, poverty, and environmental issues like droughts. Many people from this region are motivated to find security, stability, or economic opportunities.
The East Africa route, known for being perilous, takes migrants from the Horn of Africa to Yemen and other Gulf states. This route involves crossing both dangerous land and sea passages.
Migrants often cross from Djibouti and Somalia over the Gulf of Aden toward Yemen, despite the high risks. Many aim to continue to wealthier Gulf countries for better opportunities.
In 2023, Yemen recorded over 92,000 migrant arrivals, even amid intense regional conflicts. The true number may be higher, as Yemen's prolonged instability makes accurate tracking difficult.
For most, Yemen is just a transit point. Strict Saudi border controls and the dangers of the journey further complicate migrants' efforts to enter the Gulf, adding more risk to an already dangerous route.
Migration flows in Central America are deeply interconnected, with countries acting as sources, transit points, and destinations. Thousands of people set out on dangerous northward journeys daily.
Extreme poverty, pervasive violence, and limited educational opportunities push families to migrate. Many are also motivated by the desire to reunite with family members who previously migrated northward.
For many migrants, irregular routes offer their only path north. This main migration route spans from South American nations, through Central America, toward Mexico and the US.
Migrants, especially unaccompanied minors and women, are vulnerable to trafficking, criminal gangs, and mistreatment. These dangers persist even after crossing the US-Mexico border, posing continuous threats.
Deported migrants often return to worse conditions than before. Many are stigmatized, face debts from their journey, and encounter renewed violence, leaving some with little choice but to attempt migration again.
Unaccompanied minors often have no safe home to return to, making them prime targets for gangs. This hopelessness frequently compels them to reattempt their migration northward.
In 2023 alone, over 105,000 children traversed Guatemala, averaging 400 per day. Many originated from countries like Venezuela, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, and Colombia.
Despite the harsh conditions and risks, Central American migrants continue their journey, driven by the hope for a safer future and opportunities they lack in their home countries.
Sources: (UNICEF) (UN Migration)
See also: Countries with the highest (and lowest) concentration of immigrants
Exploring the major migration routes across the world
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Global migration routes reveal the scale and complexity of movement across continents, with millions fleeing poverty, violence, and political unrest. From the Central Mediterranean route used by migrants aiming for Europe to dangerous crossings in Central America, these routes expose migrants to extreme risks, including trafficking, exploitation, and life-threatening sea journeys. Often, their journeys end in unintended places, as many transit countries become de facto hosts along these migration pathways.
Click on to explore the world's most significant migration routes.