International Office of Migration (IOM)
IOM Press Briefing
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Today, he will travel to the port town of Obock, on the northern shores of the Gulf of Tadjoura, to open the first Japanese-funded Migration Response Centre in Djibouti.
The centre, which is located on the outskirts of Obock, aims to provide direct humanitarian assistance and referral services to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers who are currently living is miserable conditions in and around Obock.
It will also provide unbiased information on the dangers of irregular migration across the Gulf of Aden and offer the option of voluntary return and reintegration for stranded individuals and families.
"This centre is a milestone in our joint efforts to address the humanitarian needs of vulnerable individuals, including victims of trafficking and unaccompanied minors," says Mr. Swing. "It will hopefully prevent more suffering and tragedies at sea by offering a way out for all those who currently have no one to turn to but ruthless human smugglers."
Obock and the Gulf of Tadjoura are increasingly used by smuggling networks that regularly put the lives of thousands of Ethiopians, Somalis and Eritreans at risk.
Last year, more than 30,000 people boarded smugglers boats in the region of Obock, including women and children. Many have suffered terrible abuse at the hands smugglers, including beatings, rape and people being thrown overboard.
Djibouti has a unique set of migration challenges owing to its location at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa. It is also a gateway from the Horn of Africa to the Middle East and although not documented, is increasingly becoming a source and transit country for movements across the Gulf of Aden and beyond.
As part of this Japanese-funded initiative, IOM recently trained 60 coastguards from Djibouti, Yemen and Somalia's Puntland to equip them with the necessary skills to protect and assist particularly vulnerable groups such as victims of trafficking.
IOM Djibouti also organized in December a meeting for high-level government officials from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia and Yemen, to find ways to jointly address the needs of irregular migrants en route to Yemen.
Source: IOM