Africa
THE UN refugee agency said on Tuesday that more than 4,800 Somali refugees had so far returned home from Yemen since it started an Assisted Spontaneous Return (ASR) program in 2017.
The UNHCR, which disclosed this in a statement, added that 37 organised departures had now taken place from Yemen to Somalia since the ASR programme began two years ago.
“In the latest departure, a boat carrying 114 Somali refugees left the Port of Aden on Monday and arrived at the Port of Berbera in Somalia on Tuesday,’’ UNHCR said.
The programme is facilitated by UNHCR in cooperation with humanitarian partners and authorities in Yemen and Somalia.
It said that some of the refugees returning home in Monday’s ASR movement told the UN agency that they were optimistic about a new life in Somalia.
They were hopeful that they will be able to secure their livelihoods by starting businesses.
A refugee father said he aims to open a small business once home and provide a better life for his four children, including his one-year-old daughter who was the youngest passenger on the boat.
According to the UN refugee agency, Yemen is experiencing prolonged conflict and civilians are facing life-threatening conditions.
And the situation for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in the country has deteriorated significantly.
“In addition to the dangers posed by ongoing hostilities many refugees are now encountering increased hardship, lack access to basic services and struggle to cover basic needs and sustain themselves given limited work and economic opportunities,’’ UNHCR said.
It said that humanitarian agencies also faced significant challenges in ensuring safety, humanitarian assistance, and access to essential life-saving services for refugees and asylum-seekers in the country.
According to UNHCR, refugee movements from Somalia to Yemen have been taking place since the 1980s and continued following the outbreak of civil war in Somalia.
It said that many also fled generalised violence and individualised fear of persecution in addition to the consequences of drought and a lack of livelihood opportunities. (dpa/NAN)
– Oct 29, 2019 @ 17:15 GMT |
Tags: 4 800 Somali refugees return home from Yemen in 2 years – UNHCR
