The Horn of Africa and Yemen is one of the busiest and riskiest migration corridors in the world, traveled by hundreds of thousands of migrants, most of whom cross irregularly, often relying on smugglers to facilitate movement, according to a recent UN report.
According to the International Organization of Migration (IOM) data for September, the data was collected based on diverse data sources and consultations with key informants in the four countries.
Moreover, it provides information on the primary protection concerns for migrants along the journey, information on the spillover effects of the conflict in Northern Ethiopia observed at the border between Ethiopia, Kenya, and Sudan, a specific focus on children, and information on the returns to Ethiopia, Somalia, and Yemen.
43,000 stranded migrants
According to the data, a slight decrease (-8 percent) was recorded in the number of migrants arriving in Yemen from Djibouti and Somalia during September.
The report suggested that this was linked to bad weather and sea tides and an increase in coast guard patrols in Djibouti corresponding with arrivals from Somalia.
However, the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) data show that during the first nine months of this year, the number of arrivals to Yemen nearly tripled compared to the same period in 2021 (16,081 people).
The number of women and girls who crossed into Yemen increased by 145 percent and 112 percent, respectively, compared to the same period in 2021.
IOM staff in the Ras al-Ara area stated that migrants routinely report physical abuse and detention upon arrival, where they are extorted for additional funds before they can be released and continue their journeys. Migrants also reported sexual abuse perpetrated by smugglers, including children, against male and female migrants.
IOM says that it continues to provide voluntary humanitarian return assistance from Aden to Ethiopia, noting that 215 migrants were helped while the Organization continues its efforts to facilitate their return from Sanaa. It also estimates that 43,000 migrants are still stranded.
Increase in arrivals from Ethiopia
The data reveals that the influx of migrants from Ethiopia increased slightly in September compared to August (7 percent).
As in previous months, most migrants were young people from Amhara and Oromia, with 81 percent migrating for economic reasons. However, migration reasons varied based on the migrant's region of origin.
According to UN data, migrant returnees were suspended in September due to overcrowding in shelters, and services such as water, sanitation, hygiene, health assistance, children's needs, and psychosocial support were put under pressure, limiting reception capacity.
The Organization stated that about 3,000 returnees are still in shelters in Addis Ababa because of their inability to return to their homes, expecting a return of about 31,000 additional migrants from the Gulf to Ethiopia this year.
However, the Organization recorded a 60 percent drop in the number of migrants seeking assistance in Migration Response Centers (MRCs) in Ethiopia compared to August. It stressed the great need for protection assistance for returnees who face difficulties reaching their areas.
Economic motives
The number of migrants entering Djibouti had declined since June, when it peaked at 15,665 migrants, with a 17 percent drop, most of which were men from various areas in Ethiopia. Most migrants intend to reach the Arabian Peninsula (81 percent).
Economic reasons continue to be the main migration driver, but conflict, violence, and targeted persecution were reported by the migrants, with a four percent increase compared to August.
IOM reported that vulnerable groups migrate through Djibouti, including 21 percent of children and girls who travel alone, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under five.
Data reported a significant decrease in the number of returnees from Yemen to Djibouti (-30 percent), most of whom were men.
DTM workers recorded an increase in the number of migrants who departed from Somalia to Yemen during September, attributed to fewer controls at checkpoints, drought, and insecurity.
