The Deputy Foreign Minister discusses with the International Organization for Migration the impact of Houthi escalation and displacement crisis.

Deputy Foreign Minister Discusses Migration Crisis with IOM

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Mustafa Noman, met today with Deputy Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for Operations, Uguchi Daniels. They discussed ways to enhance the existing cooperation and partnership between the government and the organization, the internal displacement crisis, and the increasing flows of irregular migration from the Horn of Africa. They also addressed the field and funding challenges facing humanitarian work in Yemen.

Humanitarian Situation and Military Escalation

During the meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the 77th session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Deputy Minister reviewed the latest humanitarian and field developments. He highlighted the severe repercussions of the military escalation by Houthi militias, particularly in Taiz Governorate and the western coast. This escalation has led to a significant increase in internal displacement, with nearly one million additional people displaced over the past two months.

Exploitation of Migrants and Security Threats

Noman pointed out the dangers posed by Houthi militias exploiting irregular migrants, coercing them into forced recruitment, and involving them in combat. He noted the economic and security implications of the militias’ threats to maritime navigation in the Red Sea and their impact on regional stability.

Violations Against Humanitarian Workers

The Deputy Minister also addressed the violations committed by the Houthis against United Nations agency staff and their facilities in Sana’a and other areas under their control. These violations include the theft of equipment and vehicles belonging to organizations and the detention of humanitarian workers. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing necessary facilitation and ensuring the safety of international organizations, enabling them to deliver life-saving assistance to all Yemeni citizens.

Challenges of Irregular Migration

Ambassador Muthana Al-Amri, Director of International Organizations and Conferences at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussed the challenges related to irregular migration. He indicated that the number of migrants arriving from Horn of Africa countries has reached record levels, exceeding the state’s capacity to accommodate them. Currently, over 400,000 migrants reside in the liberated governorates.

Smuggling Routes and Government Plans

Ambassador Al-Amri detailed the active smuggling routes along the coasts and the growing human trafficking networks. He presented the government’s plans and programs to establish reception centers for migrants, rehabilitate them, and register their cases, as well as address the recurring incidents of boat capsizing. He emphasized the need for Yemen to hold a regional conference that includes source and transit countries and donor partners to discuss the root causes of migration flows and develop sustainable, comprehensive solutions.

IOM’s Commitment to Humanitarian Response

For her part, Deputy Director General Uguchi Daniels affirmed that the IOM’s operations in Yemen rank among the largest and most critical globally. She reiterated the organization’s commitment to continuing its humanitarian response and expanding its scope to support displaced persons, migrants, and host communities, including those in displacement sites in Marib.

Joint Appeal and Resource Mobilization

Daniels praised the proposal to launch a joint appeal and intensify resource mobilization efforts in collaboration with donors. She highlighted the importance of enhancing political dialogue and regional coordination among countries along migration routes to address root causes and combat smuggling and human trafficking networks.

Contributions from IOM Leadership

The meeting included contributions from IOM leadership, featuring briefings from the organization’s Chief of Staff, Mohamed Abdiqer, Head of the Vulnerable Migrants and Human Trafficking Unit, Irina Todorova, and Operations Coordinator, Metih Timursin. They discussed the pathways of the Regional Migrant Response Plan (MRP), protection and monitoring programs, securing emergency needs, and transitional projects in various regions.

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