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UN warns of risks for migrants seeking to reach Yemen by sea

Xinhua, February 8, 2017 Adjust font size:

In light of the "horrendous conditions and rising risks" in Yemen, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) launched a campaign on Tuesday to highlight the dangers of crossing the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea for African migrants and refugees seeking to reach the war-torn country.

"Many were lured by smugglers to take the perilous boat journey across the high seas in search of protection or better livelihood prospects," the UN body said in a statement.

"UNHCR is alarmed that so many people are heading to a country where the conflict is worsening, displacement is growing, and arrivals face an uncertain future," it added.

According to figures, over 117,000 arrivals were recorded in Yemen last year, despite what UNHCR's Middle East and North Africa Director, Amin Awad, called a "humanitarian catastrophe" prevailing in the Arab nation.

Ravaged by war since March 2015, some 7,100 people have been killed as a result of conflict between warring factions. A further 44,000 have been injured and more than two million displaced.

UNHCR also reminded that 19 million people in Yemen were in need of humanitarian assistance.

The refugee agency's campaign was launched with the help of prominent musicians from the region who composed a song highlighting the dangers of crossing to Yemen.

"Their song carries the message that the sea crossing can be deadly and, referring to often ruthless smugglers, it urges people to think hard before they leave," UNHCR concluded. Endit