This figure represents a significant decrease compared to the 10,457 deaths recorded the previous year. However, activists caution that the reduction in fatalities does not necessarily indicate improved conditions for migrants. Instead, they argue that tighter border controls are forcing individuals to undertake more perilous routes.

Helena Maleno, research coordinator for Caminando Fronteras, stated that the decline in deaths is attributable to increased border policing, particularly in Mauritania. In 2024, Mauritania signed a 210 million euro migration deal with the European Union, leading to stricter enforcement along its coastline.

The EU's approach to border management increasingly relies on sophisticated technologies, including AI-powered surveillance systems. These systems utilize algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data from sources like satellite imagery, drone footage, and social media to predict and intercept migrant movements. While proponents argue that these technologies enhance border security and save lives by preventing dangerous crossings, critics raise concerns about their accuracy, bias, and potential for misuse.

AI algorithms are trained on data, and if that data reflects existing biases, the AI system will likely perpetuate those biases. For example, if historical data shows that migrants from a particular region are more likely to attempt illegal crossings, the AI system might disproportionately flag individuals from that region, regardless of their actual intentions. This can lead to discriminatory enforcement practices and erode trust in law enforcement.

The use of AI in border control also raises ethical questions about privacy and human rights. Facial recognition technology, for instance, can be used to identify and track individuals without their consent, potentially violating their right to privacy. Furthermore, the increasing reliance on automated decision-making in border control could diminish human oversight and accountability, making it more difficult to challenge unfair or inaccurate decisions.

The situation in Mauritania highlights the complex interplay between migration policy, border security, and human rights. While tighter border controls may reduce the number of successful crossings, they can also push migrants towards more dangerous routes, increasing the risk of death or injury. The capsizing of a migrant boat off the coast of Mauritania earlier this year, which resulted in the deaths of 69 people, serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of these policies.

Looking ahead, the EU is expected to further invest in AI-powered border management technologies. The development and deployment of these technologies will likely be accompanied by ongoing debates about their ethical implications and effectiveness. Civil society organizations and human rights advocates are calling for greater transparency and accountability in the use of AI in border control, as well as for increased efforts to address the root causes of migration and provide safe and legal pathways for people seeking refuge or economic opportunities.