CHR News Desk | New Delhi
In the wake of a tragic shipwreck near Djibouti, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) rushes aid to survivors as nearly 20 migrants remain missing and 24 are confirmed dead. The vessel, carrying at least 77 individuals from Ras al-Ara off Yemen’s coast, capsized near Obock, highlighting the perilous journey migrants undertake in search of better opportunities.
The IOM swiftly responded, providing essential medical care, food, shelter, and psychosocial support to 33 survivors of the shipwreck. This devastating incident, occurring just two weeks after a similar tragedy claimed the lives of at least 38 migrants, underscores the urgent need for safer migration routes.
Tanja Pacifico, Chief of Mission in Djibouti for IOM, voiced grave concerns over the dangers faced by migrants navigating irregular routes. She stressed the imperative of establishing secure and legal pathways for migration, particularly given the vulnerabilities of women, children, and men on these perilous journeys.
Reports indicate that migrants involved in both recent incidents were attempting to return to Djibouti from Yemen after failing to reach Saudi Arabia for employment and other opportunities. This pattern reflects the challenges encountered by tens of thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa, notably Ethiopia and Somalia, who seek transit through Djibouti but often become stranded in Yemen.
Despite the risks, data from IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) reveals a troubling trend. Since the start of 2024, 3,682 migrants have departed Yemen for Djibouti, marking a significant increase from the previous year. The Eastern Corridor, spanning from Africa to countries in the Arab Peninsula, has witnessed approximately 380,000 journeys recorded by IOM’s DTM, resulting in 1,350 reported deaths, with many more likely unreported.
In response to the escalating crisis, IOM Djibouti is collaborating with local authorities and 48 other humanitarian and development organizations, alongside governments, to coordinate the Regional Migrant Response Plan (MRP). This initiative aims to address the pressing humanitarian needs of migrants along the Eastern Route, with the goal of preventing further tragedies at sea and on land.
Ms. Pacifico reiterated IOM’s commitment, as the Coordinator of the UN Network on Migration, to develop actionable recommendations for assisting migrants in distress and addressing the plight of missing migrants and their families.
