The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Yemen this week (20/09) resumed humanitarian evacuations after one month, assisting 342 Ethiopian migrants – 52 women, 240 men, 4 girls and 46 boys – who had been stranded in Yemen since the eruption of the conflict in late March.

IOM had suspended all sea operations after the bombing of Al Hudaydah seaport but was able to immediately resume evacuations as soon as the port became accessible to smaller vessels.

Prior to their evacuation, the stranded migrants had gathered in Al Hudaydah seeking a way out of Yemen. Left destitute from the difficult journey through the war-torn country, the group had received pre-departure fitness to travel screening and, where necessary, primary health assistance. The operation was organized in coordination with IOM country offices in Djibouti and Ethiopia, which will provide transit and onward transportation assistance.

“I left my country with hopes of getting a job in the Middle East, but now I have lost hope and my health,” said 20-year-old Gidey, in obvious pain from a gunshot wound sustained when he was caught up in crossfire on his way to Al Hudaydah.

Since the conflict escalated in Yemen, migrants have been part of the civilian population affected by airstrikes, ground shelling and street fighting. Despite difficulties in reaching conflict-affected locations, IOM medical teams have so far managed to provide emergency health assistance to vulnerable migrants, some of whom are in very severe conditions.

“Since the beginning of the sea evacuation in June 2015, IOM has assisted 2,257 migrants to leave from Al Hudaydah seaport. IOM continues to receive many requests for assistance to depart Yemen from third country nationals (TCNs) who are not able to do so by their own means, and so far IOM has depleted all allocated resources,” said Nicoletta Giordano, IOM Yemen Chief of Mission.

For further information please contact Chissey Mueller at IOM Yemen, Tel.: + 967 737 501 683, Email: cmueller@iom.int