Djibouti – Following four successful evacuations by boat undertaken since 10th June, IOM evacuated 175 additional Ethiopian migrants stranded in Yemen, bringing the total number of Ethiopian migrants evacuated by boat so far with IOM assistance to the Republic of Djibouti to 652.

On Sunday June 21st, one boat carrying the evacuees docked at the port of Obock in Djibouti. An ambulance was secured and transported eight persons identified as medical cases who were among the larger group to the IOM Migrant Response Centre (MRC) in Obock. The medical facility in the IOM MRC hosted the medical cases with IOM medical staff at the center. 

With the support of the World Food Programme, high energy biscuits were provided to the evacuees. Shortly after, they were transported by IOM vehicles to the MRC where arrangements were made for their accommodation and warm meals.  Food for those fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan was also at their disposal.

While arrangements for the documentation process and onward transportation to Ethiopia are on-going, they will continue to stay at the MRC and receive drinking water, food and access to sanitation services and health assistance.

Before June ends, the last of the six boats is expected to sail carrying another 150 passengers from Hoedidah Port in Yemen to Djibouti's port.  IOM has already evacuated more than 1,600 third country nationals from Yemen by air to many countries. 

The current crisis in Yemen has left thousands of migrants and third country nationals stranded.  In addition to evacuation assistance, IOM's response to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen is multifaceted and includes support for mass casualties, shelter, essential non-food items, and tracking of internally displaced persons.

The breadth of the crisis has prompted IOM to mobilize and appeal for more financial resources in Yemen as well as Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and Ethiopia.  

For further information, please contact: Henry Glorieux, IOM Djibouti, Tel: +253 21352459, Email: hglorieux@iom.int