U.N.'s International Organization for Migration

With 2024 set to see more elections worldwide than any previous year, the United Nations' migration chief says increasing anti-migrant rhetoric from politicians seeking to score points is harming societies.

The European Union and Egypt on Sunday signed a 7.4-billion-euro financial package to support the indebted north African country, boost energy sales to Europe and stem irregular migrant flows.

At least 8,565 people died on migration routes worldwide in 2023, making it the deadliest year since records began a decade ago, the U.N.'s International Organization for Migration said Wednesday.

"The 2023 death toll represents a tragic increase of 20 percent compared to 2022, highlighting the urgent need for action to prevent further loss of life," the IOM said in a statement.

A boat carrying dozens of Europe-bound migrants capsized off the coast of Libya, leaving more than 60 people - including women and children - dead, the U.N. migration agency said.

Saturday's shipwreck was the latest tragedy in this part of the Mediterranean Sea, a key dangerous route for migrants seeking a better life in Europe, where, according to officials, thousands have died.

More than 100,000 migrants and refugees have made the perilous journey across the Mediterranean to Europe since the beginning of the year, and 2,247 have died trying, the U.N. said on July 4.