Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 16th Nov. International migration agency on Wednesday appealed for safe migration pathways after a recent shipwreck off the coast of Yemen.
IOM said over 64 people are missing and feared dead after the vessel they were travelling in capsized on Sunday.
Some 90 migrants, including 60 women, were on board the vessel, which was heading to Yemen from the coast of Djibouti, IOM stated.
It said that 26 survivors were rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard.
IOM is collaborating with partners and relevant authorities to gather more information about the incident, noting that the sinking was blamed on overloaded capacity and engine failure exacerbated by strong seasonal winds.
Acting Chief of Mission of IOM Yemen Matt Huber said that “This tragedy highlights the pressing need for global cooperation in establishing safer migration pathways” .
It serves as a stark reminder of the e challenges faced by migrants who undertake perilous journeys in search of safety and better livelihood opportunities, the agency added.
IOM said Yemen is “strategically positioned on the Arabian Peninsula”, making it a crucial transit country for migrants from the Horn of Africa, primarily Ethiopians, travelling to Saudi Arabia or other Gulf nations in search of work.
IOM Data reveals that 867 deaths were recorded on the crossing between the Horn of Africa and Yemen in 2022. The majority, 795, occurred on the route between Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Huber said “We urge our partners to collaborate closely with IOM to enhance support for migrants in Yemen, address the root causes behind their decision to embark on these dangerous journeys, and collectively work towards safer and more humane support for migrants,”.
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