IOM appeals for $112 million to aid migrants in Horn of Africa, Yemen, Southern Africa
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and a coalition of 27 partners have called for $112 million in funding to deliver urgent humanitarian and development assistance to over 1.4 million migrants and host communities in the Horn of Africa, Yemen, and southern Africa.
The focus is on the hazardous Eastern and Southern migration routes, including those to Yemen, the Gulf States, Kenya, Tanzania, and Southern Africa, which have been labelled as among the most dangerous and underreported migratory paths globally.
IOM Regional Director for the East and Horn of Africa, Rana Jaber, said, “The past years have shown us what we can achieve when we work together. We are confident that we can accomplish even more in 2024, continuing to save lives and provide protection, offering access to sustainable solutions, and enhancing the resilience of populations.”
In 2023, the Eastern route witnessed almost 400,000 movements, while the Southern route recorded an additional 80,000 movements, particularly toward South Africa. The funds sought will be utilized to address multifaceted challenges confronting migrants, encompassing starvation, health risks, exploitation, and threats posed by human traffickers.
Additionally, communities along these migration routes, providing refuge and assistance, will receive support to tackle the fundamental causes of irregular migration. The goal is to save lives, ensure protection, facilitate access to sustainable solutions, and fortify the resilience of populations situated along these migratory channels.
