UN urges global action over migration strategy

The United Nations is urging concerted action by member states to reduce the tragic death toll of migrants around the world.

Dozens were killed in Mexico when a crowded truck overturned in Chiapas on Thursday night, the International Organization for Migration's (IOM) said in a statement released on Friday.

At least 54 reportedly Central American migrants died and more than 100 were injured – the single deadliest incident for migrants in Mexico since at least 2014, when the agency began documenting deaths.

Chiapas, which neighbors Guatemala, is a major transit point for undocumented migrants.

Briefing reporters in New York, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said "If this latest incident isn't a reminder for the world and for Member States to agree on controlled and managed international migration plan it's unclear to see what is".

Citing IOM, Dujarric said that the 2021 migrant death toll in Mexico has surpassed 4,470 men, women and children.

Moreover, the number of deaths and disappearances has increased on many migratory routes across the world in 2021, including in Europe and the Americas.