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UNHCR warns against risky sea crossings as 100,000 reach Yemen this year

Xinhua, November 29, 2016 Adjust font size:

Despite conflict and rapidly deteriorating humanitarian conditions, more than 100,000 people have so far this year risked their lives on the high seas to reach Yemen from the Horn of Africa by boat, UNHCR said on Tuesday.

A total of 105,971 people have made the journey as of mid-November, mainly across the Gulf of Aden, according to latest figures from UNHCR and partners. Most people came from Ethiopia and Somalia.

UNHCR and other humanitarian agencies have been warning against the perilous Horn of Africa crossings which see people undergo risky journeys only to face conflict, abuse and exploitation on arrival.

UNHCR has received reports of physical and sexual abuse, deprivation of food and water, abduction, extortion, torture and forced labor by smugglers and criminal networks as well as arbitrary arrest, detention and deportation.

The UN agency said prolonged conflict and insecurity has also facilitated the proliferation of trafficking and extortion networks targeting new arrivals. Women and children are also at particular risk of sexual violence and trafficking. So far this year, at least 79 people attempting the crossing to Yemen have been reported dead or missing at sea.

UNHCR is appealing for more urgent regional support to address conditions prompting movements from countries of origin and to actively pursue solutions for refugees in Yemen.

UNHCR's operations in Yemen and the Horn of Africa remain critically under-funded. Despite massive humanitarian needs and ongoing displacement, UNHCR's response to the situation in Yemen and neighboring countries for 2016 remains only 44 percent funded. Endit