3b

3.6 The Second Wave of Exodus of Somali Refugees

 

After 1991-1994 big refugees exodus to the outside world, a new wave of migration has started during and after the Ethiopian invasion and occupation and its devastating effects on the Somali socio-economic system compounded by droughts and global economic recession. These numbers show this new wave of refugees fleeing their country due to grinding poverty and relentless conflict:-

a) In neighbouring countries (Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Yemen) – 100,000 Somali refugees were registered 2008 ( UNHCR, 18/3/2009).

b) In 2007 29,500 young people (over 90 percent Somalis) crossed the Gulf of Aden to Yemen by boats with 1,400 died (UNHCR 9/1/2009).

c) In 2008 the number of young crossing the sea to Yemen rose to 50,091 people with 590 died and 359 missing (presumed dead) – 70%  increase of last year’s figure. (UNHCR 9/1/2009).

d) Up until 23 April 2009 19, 622 young people mostly Somalis crossed the sea to Yemen with 131 died and 66 missing - presumed dead (UNHCR 23/4/2009)

e) In the industrialized countries 21,800 Somalis sought asylum in 2008 –proportionally the largest number of all the seekers. ‘(47)

f) According to the Independent (17/4/2009), a British Newspaper, at the Kenyan border alone 500 Somalis refugees arrive every day to seeking safe refuge.

 

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