IOM denies allegations of forced repatriation of Ethiopians from Yemen

File photo of Ethiopians in Yemen

ESAT News (December 6, 2016)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said it only carries out the repatriation of Ethiopians stranded in war torn Yemen on voluntary basis.

“All return assistance provided by IOM to these stranded Ethiopians was on a voluntary basis only, as part of its Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) program. IOM prioritizes the needs of migrants and the return support is centered on the principle of consent, voluntariness, and best interest of returnees,” the organization said in a release.

The IOM made the statement in response reports  by some media outlets claiming that IOM has been involved in the deportation of migrants from Yemen.

The IOM said through its offices in Yemen, Djibouti and Ethiopia, it is assisting vulnerable and stranded Ethiopian migrants to voluntarily return to their country of origin. Since the conflict broke out in Yemen in March 2015, IOM has been providing this assistance to nearly 10,000 Ethiopian migrants.

It said as part of its ongoing evacuation assistance, in November 2016, IOM evacuated 150 Ethiopians from Yemen, and also assisted the return of 166 Ethiopians who been deported from Yemen and were stranded in Djibouti.

Reports said earlier at least 20 Ethiopians died in Djibouti unable to survive the deplorable and harsh conditions.