Category Archives: United Nations

Hundreds of Somalis and Ethiopians have reached Yemen since the beginning of September and according to the UNHCR many thousands of additional Somalis are waiting in northern Somalia to make the journey.

Somali pirates are also responsible for smuggling refugees and migrants from Somalia to Yemen.  They reportedly charge approximately US$100 per person.

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UNHCR estimates that approximately 11,000 people crossed the Gulf of Aden from Somalia to Yemen over the most recent May-July period, the most dangerous time to cross due to weather conditions.  This compares with an estimated 4,000 who crossed in the same period in 2008 and 200 in 2007.

“Nearly 300 migrants have died or gone missing this year after being forced overboard far from shore, and more than 1,000 drowned while making the voyage in 2008, the UNHCR says.”

“[Roberta Russo, UNHCR spokeswoman from Somalia] said there were more than 5,000 people wanting to leave for Yemen who were waiting at the northern Somali port of Bossaso for the weather to improve next month.”

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The UNHCR reports that ongoing fighting within Somalia has pushed approximately 12,000 Somalis to the northern port town of Bossaso where most are preparing to attempt a crossing of the Golf of Aden in September when more favourable weather conditions will likely be present.

“Last year, more than 50,000 new arrivals reached Yemen’s shores a 70 percent increase from 2007. The trend has continued during the first six months of this year, with around 30,000 new arrivals the total for the whole of 2007.”

“More than 1,000 people drowned en route in 2008 as they were thrown overboard or forced to disembark too far from the shore by unscrupulous smugglers. So far this year, almost 300 have died or gone missing.”

Click here for UNHCR statement.

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