UN Reports 2008 Increase in African Refugees, Many Die Fleeing to Yemen

By Ted Townsend
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

GENEVA, Switzerland – More people have fled the continent of Africa in the first ten months of this year, than in the entire of 2007, according to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees office (“UNHCR”).  The majority of Africans fled conflict and poverty, with at least ninety-six thousand heading to Yemen or Italy.

According to the UNHCR, over thirty-eight thousand refugees have attempted to cross the Gulf of Aden to Yemen in boats - a good ten thousand more individuals than attempted the crossing last year - some with dire consequences.  Early this week, the UNHCR reported the drowning of at least forty refugees, who were part of a larger group of one hundred fifteen attempting to cross the Gulf.  According to a UN spokesman, at some point during the estimated thirty-six hour crossing, smugglers demanded more money from each refugee.  The refugees, who had already paid “$100 each prior to departure,” were beaten and many were thrown overboard when they could not pay.  Among the one hundred fifteen on the boat, a good number were women and children.

Yemen remains a frequent destination for the displaced, because of its proximity and because Somalians automatically receive refuge in the mostly Muslim community.  However, the number of refugee deaths recently has been increased at an alarming rate.  A Doctors Without Borders (known by its French acronym “MSF”) representative, on the ground in Yemen, described the number of deaths in the time period as “not usual at all,” adding, “we are quite shocked here.”

Many of the refugees fleeing are Somalians, fleeing the war.  However, some observers have noted an increase in Ethiopian refugees.   The increase could be due to new smuggling routes opening up, combined with continued hardships and violence in the Horn of Africa nations they are fleeing.
According to MSF, the plight of these refugees has been overshadowed by the sensationalism of the pirate attacks that have dominated headlines in recent months.  MSF mission leader Francis Couteur acknowledged as such, but added that "[u]nfortunately, little attention is paid to the drama of the refugees crossing the same waters in horrific conditions. Much more needs to be done to address this issue."

The rise in refugee arrivals has also extended to Malta, Greece, Spain and the Canary Islands, though at a much lower rate than in Yemen and Italy.  Many who arrive apply for asylum, and a great number are considered in need of international protection.

For more information, please see:

CNN  – African Refugee Situation Getting Worse, UN Says – 4 November 2008

VOA News – UNHCR: Scores of People Drown in Gulf of Aden – 4 November 2008

Associated Press – UN: 600 Africans Lost in Gulf of Aden This Year – 4 November 2008