Cairo, 13 June 2023 (dpa/MIA) - At least 3,789 people have died on migration routes in and from the Middle East and North African region (MENA) last year, the highest toll since 2017, the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday.

In 2017, 4,255 deaths were recorded in the same region.

The MENA region, which accounted for more than half of the 6,877 deaths recorded worldwide in 2022, is a primary region of origin, transit and destination for migrants, the IOM said.

In the Mediterranean Sea, at least 2,406 people died last year.

On Sunday, the European Commission said it is considering supporting Tunisia with an aid package of up to €900 million ($967.8 million) as the North African country is roiled by economic woes and rising numbers of migrants using it as a launch pad to reach Europe.

Tunisia and its neighbour Libya are major transit routes for migrants trying to reach Europe by sea.

Every year, thousands of migrants risk their lives crossing from both countries in search of a better life in Europe.

Photo: EPA