The Asylum Seekers and Refugees Solidarity Association (ARSA) has released a comprehensive report titled “Vanished in Transit: A Report on Missing Refugees”, which presents extensive data on refugees who have gone missing or lost their lives during migration journeys. The report was published on 12 September 2025 via the UNHCR Operational Data Portal (UN Data Portal) and is accessible in full at data.unhcr.org.
ARSA’s study stands as one of the most recent and comprehensive global resources addressing the issue of missing persons along migration routes. The findings reveal that at least 75,000 refugees have gone missing or died during migration since 2014. According to the report, the Central Mediterranean remains the deadliest route, with major causes of loss including drowning, unsafe transportation conditions, violence, and lack of access to healthcare.
Beyond numerical data, Vanished in Transit provides regional analyses, testimonies, and policy recommendations, calling for enhanced international cooperation to prevent disappearances, clarify responsibilities, and support affected families.
Following its publication on the UN Data Portal, the report quickly gained attention across multiple platforms. The Displaced International account shared its key findings on X (Twitter), reaching a wide international audience (link). In addition, several migration and human rights organizations amplified the report within their own networks, further increasing its visibility.
This publication reflects ARSA’s longstanding commitment to promoting refugee rights, safe migration pathways, and humanitarian protection. The report aims to raise awareness of missing and deceased refugees and foster a stronger policy impact among decision-makers and the public.