This figure represents a significant decrease compared to the 10,457 deaths recorded in the previous 12 months. However, activists caution that the reduction in fatalities does not necessarily indicate improved conditions for migrants. Helena Maleno, research coordinator for Caminando Fronteras, stated that tighter border controls have forced migrants to take increasingly dangerous routes.

Much of the decline in fatalities is attributed to heightened border policing, particularly in Mauritania. In 2024, Mauritania signed a €210 million migration deal with the European Union, aimed at strengthening border security and curbing migration flows. This agreement, while intended to manage migration, has inadvertently pushed migrants towards more perilous sea routes, according to advocacy groups.

The situation highlights the complex interplay between border security measures and migrant safety. While AI-driven surveillance systems and predictive policing models are increasingly deployed to manage borders, their effectiveness in preventing deaths at sea remains a subject of debate. These technologies, often based on machine learning algorithms, analyze patterns in migration flows to anticipate and intercept potential crossings. However, critics argue that such systems can inadvertently create bottlenecks and force migrants into more dangerous situations, increasing the risk of fatalities.

The use of AI in border control also raises ethical considerations. Algorithmic bias, where AI systems perpetuate existing societal inequalities, can lead to discriminatory outcomes in migration management. Ensuring fairness and transparency in the deployment of AI-driven border control technologies is crucial to prevent unintended harm to vulnerable populations.

The ongoing situation underscores the need for comprehensive migration policies that prioritize the safety and human rights of migrants. Activists and humanitarian organizations continue to advocate for safer, legal pathways for migration and increased international cooperation to address the root causes of displacement. The focus remains on finding solutions that balance border security with the fundamental rights of individuals seeking refuge and opportunity.