IOM and Partners Seek USD 81 Million to Support Migrants in Africa and Yemen

NGOCSTIP – Support migrants in Africa and Yemen as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and 45 humanitarian and development partners seek USD 81 million to assist over one million migrants. This includes women, children, and the communities hosting them in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Yemen. The funding request aims to provide urgent humanitarian assistance and ensure that these migrants, who face various challenges, receive the necessary aid to survive their perilous journeys.

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The Perils of Migrant Journeys

Every year, hundreds of thousands of migrants undertake dangerous and life-threatening journeys in search of better opportunities and safety. Migrants primarily come from Ethiopia and Somalia, fleeing poverty, violence, and political instability. Some travel through Djibouti and Yemen with the goal of reaching Gulf nations, while others move through Kenya, Tanzania, and Southern Africa to reach South Africa. These routes expose migrants to numerous dangers, including violence, abuse, exploitation, and death.

“Every day, countless women, men, and children face deadly risks along the Eastern and Southern migration routes in Africa,” said Amy Pope, IOM’s Director General. Pope emphasized that without urgent support, the suffering of these migrants will worsen, and tensions will rise. Immediate intervention is necessary to protect vulnerable migrants and improve the protection systems for the communities hosting them.

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Life-Threatening Conditions and Rising Death Toll

Migrants along these routes are subjected to life-threatening conditions. In 2024, IOM recorded 446,000 movements along the Eastern Route, with 10 percent of these being children. Tragically, many migrants face severe dehydration, starvation, and injury, often leading to death. According to the IOM Missing Migrants Project, at least 559 people lost their lives in 2024 along the Eastern and Southern routes, with many deaths going unreported.

Women and girls are especially vulnerable. They face a heightened risk of sexual and gender-based violence, exploitation, and human trafficking. Migrants often endure violence and abuse and are sometimes detained arbitrarily by authorities. These migrants are also frequently targeted by human traffickers, which increases their vulnerability.

Urgent Support Needed for Migrants and Host Communities

The Migrant Response Plan (MRP) aims to assist over 1.4 million migrants and the host communities along these migration routes. The support will include food, medical care, water, sanitation, hygiene, protection services, and psychosocial support. In addition, the plan provides voluntary return and reintegration services for migrants who wish to return to their home countries.

Despite the ongoing efforts of IOM and its partners, the MRP remains chronically underfunded. In 2024, an appeal for USD 112 million was launched, but only 20 percent of the required funding was received. The current appeal for USD 81 million is critical to meeting the urgent needs of migrants and the communities hosting them.

Addressing Global Migration Challenges

“Migration is a global phenomenon that requires global solutions,” stated Dr. Abera Adeba, Executive Director of Agar Ethiopia Charitable Society. Dr. Adeba emphasized that the root causes of migration, such as economic hardship and violence, must be addressed. Creating a world where migration is a choice and not a necessity is essential for long-term solutions.

Migrants, particularly children, face immense challenges as they journey through dangerous routes. Alison Parker, Deputy Regional Director for UNICEF in Eastern and Southern Africa, highlighted that the MRP is a vital framework for safeguarding children and families along these routes. It ensures that migrants receive coordinated support and protection during their journey.

Escalating Migration Pressures in the Region

The economic instability and political unrest in East and Horn of Africa have caused a sharp rise in migration. This increased migration is straining already overburdened host communities and worsening the risk factors for irregular migration. Mutuku Nguli, CEO of the Counter Human Trafficking Trust East Africa, explained that this appeal offers the best chance to address the growing migration challenges and support both migrants and their host communities.

The USD 81 million appeal is essential to providing immediate life-saving support to migrants in need. It aims to improve protection systems and offer services to migrants in vulnerable situations. Through global cooperation, IOM and its partners hope to create a safer environment to support migrants in Africa and Yemen while addressing the root causes of displacement and migration.