The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has made an urgent appeal for $3 million in funding to assist migrants facing life-threatening risks in Somalia. The United Nations migration agency reported a significant decrease in funding to support the migrant population, despite the increasing needs of those affected by climatic shocks, conflicts, and economic crises. The IOM Chief of Mission for Somalia, Frantz Celestin, warned that without adequate funding before the end of June, approximately 50,000 migrants passing through Somalia each year will be left without access to life-saving assistance. The Migration Response Centers (MRCs) in Bosaso and Hargeisa, have provided critical medical care, psychosocial support, water, food, clothes, information, family tracing, and safe return options to over 10,000 migrants each year since 2008 and 2009 respectively, will also be forced to close.
The Somali government runs the MRCs, supported by the IOM, where migrants can access essential services. The IOM stated that the challenging circumstances force thousands of people annually to undertake dangerous journeys in search of better opportunities in Gulf countries or Europe. The IOM is appealing for funds to work with the government to provide immediate assistance, raise awareness about the risks of such journeys, and develop effective migration management strategies to promote reintegration, access to safe returns, and reception.
Somalia is a primary transit country for thousands of migrants heading to Gulf countries, often traveling on foot or with the assistance of smugglers who subject them to inhumane treatment, with some going as far as killing them. The IOM expressed deep concern about the increasing numbers of unaccompanied migrant children stranded in Somalia. These children often face significant challenges, including working under exploitative conditions or forced marriage in the case of girls.
