Ethiopians and Somalis lead in migrants making deadly sea crossing to Yemen

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is warning against risky migration from the Horn of Africa region to Yemen. According to the outfit, the number of sea crossing had passed 100,000 for 2016.

A key observation the UN agency pointed out was the fact that of the about 105,971 arrivals who crossed the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, there were 88,667 Ethiopians and 17,293 Somalis.

Ethiopia has in the recent past been affected by a wave of anti-government protests which has led to the declaration of a State of Emergency by the government. Somalis on the other hand have experienced a lot of attacks mainly by the insurgent group, al-Shabaab.

Most of the 105,971 arrivals who crossed Gulf of Aden and Red Sea are from Ethiopia and Somalia (88,667 and 17,293).

— UNHCRNews (@RefugeesMedia) November 29, 2016

According to UNHCR spokesperson, William Spindler, ‘‘Many of those making sea crossing to Yemen may be deceived or ill informed on severity of the conflict there or hope to reach Gulf states.

‘‘UNHCR has reports of physical and sexual abuse, lack of water and food, abduction, torture, extortion and force labour by smugglers to Yemen,’‘ he added.

The UN agency also stated that it was set to launch a regional campaign to warn people of the risks associated with trying to reach Yemen. The country is currently in a conflict that started some 20 months ago.

The country is considered highly precarious with the danger of death being very high. UNHCR also adds that 80% of people in the country are in need of aid.