Regional mixed migration summary for October 2012 covering mixed

migration events, trends and data for Djibouti, Eritrea/Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Puntland, Somalia, Somaliland and Yemen.

The RMMS is primarily funded by the European Union Commission with significant support from other donors.

Country Djibouti

Events /trends/ data / analysis New Arrivals: During October 2012, an estimated 9,877 persons arrived on Yemens shores, of these 71 percent or 7,013 of the migrants arrived from Djibouti. The total arrivals from Djibouti in October 2012 were higher than the previous month, with a 21 percent increase in arrivals between September, 2012 and October, 2012. However, in comparison to migrant departures from Djibouti at the same time last year, there was a 20 per cent decrease in migrants leaving from Djibouti. The major departure points of the migrants from Djibouti, was Obock and different coastal departure points 30-40 km north of Obock. During the month, there were a total of 102 smuggler boats which left Obock and landed on the Red Sea Coast of Yemen, this is a slight rise in boats as compared to August 2012 and September 2012 which had 92 and 95 boats respectively. An average of 220 persons left from Obock to Yemen each day in October. Efforts to curb smuggling: In October, at least four boats carrying migrants were intercepted by the Djiboutian Coast Guards. Migrants and Smugglers on the vessels were arrested and detained and some later released. There were however reports by migrants that they paid a fee of USD 2000 in order to secure their release from Djibouti authorities. Somali migrants continue to report deportation if caught travelling in and around Djibouti without refugee identification cards. Vulnerable migrants Obock: New arrivals continue to face starvation and dehydration as they make their passage to Obock for their onward journey to Yemen. On the 12th and 13th of October, two Ethiopian males are reported to have died of starvation while in Obock.

Eritrea (Sudan/ South Sudan)

Israel: The refusal of African Asylum seekers (majority of whom are Eritrean) to enter Israel continues. A joint report released in October by Human Rights Watch, the Hotline for Migrant workers, and Physicians for Human Rights reveals that since June 2012, migrants continue to be pushed back from the Israeli border. The report documents the use of force such as firing warning shots, throwing stun grenades and teargas to discourage migrants from crossing the border in Israel.

Ethiopia

New Arrivals: An estimated 7,533 Ethiopians made their way to Yemen in October 2012 representing 76% of the total new arrivals. As seen in the past, the Oromo new arrivals continued to form the majority of Ethiopian new arrivals. The other regions are Ogadenis, Amharas and Tigrays. 6,859 people have been affected and displaced by flooding in Western Gambella region. The flooding damaged homes and crops
Flooding displaces thousands:

Dollo Ado: As earlier reported, the United Nations opened a sixth site in Dollo Ado camp to accommodate rising

numbers of Somali refugees arriving in the area. Dollo Ado is now the second largest refugee complex in the world following Daadab with a population of over 170,000 migrants. Returnees: IOM-chartered flights of destitute Ethiopians living in the open in and around Yemens north western

town of Haradh continues. The airlift of an estimated 4000 Ethiopian migrants who have registered interest in returning to Ethiopia continues and while in September 915 vulnerable migrants were repatriated, in October the numbers were significantly less with only 54 migrants repatriated. IOM's limited funding means that only the most vulnerable women, children, the elderly and unaccompanied minors, are given priority on the flights back to Ethiopia.

Kenya

Dadaab: The population of Daadab Refugee Camp in October, 2012 was 468,770. The largest community in the refugee camp the Somalis form 96.1% of total refugee numbers. During the month of October, the total numbers of Somali refugees in the camp was 450,321 which was a slight decrease from the previous month. Refugees and asylum seekers from Somalia continue to arrive in Kenya and are being registered in Kakuma and Nairobi but registration in Dadaab remains suspended (except for vulnerable cases only). The other major group of refugees in Dadaab are the Ethiopians who at 17,265 persons form 3.7 % of the camp population Kakuma: According to UNHCR, there were 103,663 individuals registered in Kakuma refugee camp as at the end of October, 2012. This represents an increase of 1516 persons registered in the camp in October. The Somali community now comprise 47.5% of the camp population. South Sudanese and Sudanese collectively comprise 31.8% of the total camp population. The current total population has surpassed the camps original capacity of 100,000 and there are on-going talks between UNHCR and the government to establish a second camp near the original camp. Relocation Order for Refugees living in Garissa town: A senior government official, the county commissioner for Garissa town, in October issued a relocation order to an estimated 50,000 refugees living in Garissa town insisting that they relocate to Dadaab Refugee Complex in light of heightened insecurity. The relocation order came in the wake of repeated terrorist attacks and general insecurity within Garissa town that has been attributed to Al Shabaab . Pastoralists at risk of being Internally Displaced Persons: A new report by the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISS) and the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center (IDMC) reports that between 200,000 and 400,000 pastoralists in Kenya are at risk of being Internally Displaced Persons. The report expresses that violence, conflict over pasture and water resources, inter-ethnic conflict over resources, political and economic as is the case in Isiolo, Tana River, Moyale, Mandera and Wajir counties is turning pastoralist communities into Internally Displaced Persons within Kenya. Sand Harvesting threatens to displace thousands: Sand harvesting along the River Nyando a tributary that flows into Lake Victoria is causing acute environmental damage and threatening the potential displacement of up to 7000 persons. The Sand harvesting, the magnitude of which is 180 trucks per day, has eaten into the river banks and residents are especially afraid of their homes sinking during frequent landslides in the rainy season.

Puntland

Arabian Sea arrivals in Yemen: In the reporting period, an estimated 2,864 individuals crossed the Arabian Sea to Yemen representing 29 % of the total new arrivals in Yemen. The numbers of arrivals in October were the same as arrivals in September continuing the high volume of migrants crossing through the Arabian sea due to calmer waters. Returnees: In October, 2012, migrant returns from Yemen were 234 persons which was a 7.5 % decrease from the total numbers who were returned to Puntland in September which was 259 persons. The majority of those who were returned were migrants arriving at the Port of Bossaso who were of Somali origin. Ethiopian migrant arrivals into Puntland: Danish Refugee Council migrant monitoring teams stationed on along the main road to Bossaso, recorded a 29 % increase in Ethiopian migrants making their way to Bossaso and Garowe in the month of October as compared to September, 2012. Whereas in September there were 93 Ethiopian migrants enumerated, in October the number of Ethiopian migrants enumerated was 131.

Somalia (S-C)

Somali (SC) movements to Yemen: During the month of October 2012, 2338 Somalis arrived on the Shores of Yemen which is a decrease of 148 individuals compared to the previous month. The number of new arrivals during the same period last year was 3,292 representing a drop of 24%. Smuggling: A smuggling ring has emerged in Marka Somalia. Somali migrants arriving in Yemen explained that they paid 400 USD for flight from Marka to Hargeisa, transportation to Loya Ade and to Obock, Djibouti and boat fees to sail across the Red Sea. Although migrants did not report any protection concerns during the migrant trip, they were reports of double payment of fees in Djibouti, as agents and smugglers in Djibouti claim that they did not receive money and migrants have to pay a second time in order to cross the Red Sea. Origins: South Central continues to contribute the majority of the total Somali new arrivals to Yemen. The majority are from the Shabelles, Bay, Banadir, and Hiraan regions. Most of the Somali new arrivals were semi illerate and belonged to the Hawiye, Dir, Darood and Digil Mirifle clans of Somalia. They were mostly semi illiterate, having worked as farmers, pastoralists and petty traders prior to flight. Although Somalia has made significant strides in nation building given the formation of a new government and the end of the transition government in Somalia. The migrants still indicated that security situation is tenuous, conflict continues between Al Shaabab and the Government soldiers. Migrants from the Afgoye region, also claimed that there were arbitrarily arrests and increased sexual and gender violence from militants in the region from October, which had necessitated their migration. Migrants from the Shabelle region indicated that the crouching drought and no rain during the farming season had necessitated their migration. Many migrants on the move from S-C Somalia continued to report that they were still stopped and interrogated at checkpoints mounted in Mogadishu, Afgooye, Middle Shabelle and Hiraan on suspicion of having Al-Shabaab links Over a million Somali refugees in the HoA: Somali refugee numbers in the Horn of Africa Region as at 31st October, 2012 included, 532,660 in Kenya, 219, 057 in Yemen, 214,167 in Ethiopia, and 29,603 in Uganda. Flash flooding has been reported in Somalias Hiraan region, inundating parts of the town of Beletweyne and displacing an estimated 3,500 families and damaging infrastructure IDPs: Drawing on data from the UNHCR, a total of 24,000 individuals have been displaced in South Central in the period between 1st July and 14th September 2012. The UNHCR data revealed that insecurity was reported as the major cause of displacement of some 12,100 people, lack of livelihood (4,500), cross-border movement (2,400), IDP temporary return (2,100). The total number of IDPs in Somalia remains an estimated 1.36 million according to UNHCR. This document does not seek to extensively detail conditions and event in Somalia (including displacements) as the subject is dealt with in great detail by various dedicated agencies.

Somaliland

New Arrivals in Yemen from Somaliland: A small number of Somali new arrivals originate from Somaliland. Most belong to the majority clans of Dir, Darood, Hawiye, with few indicating that they belong to the minority clans of Digil Mirifle and Jareer. Assisted Voluntary Returns: In the last couple of months between August and October IOM assisted 45 migrants who have been assisted to return from Somaliland to Addis Ababa Ethiopia (. There has also been the return of 170 IDPs to Somalias South Central. The Registration of Asylum Seekers resumed in October, 2012. 2500 migrants were screened and 440 families were seen as having legitimate asylum claims.

Yemen

New Arrivals: The total number of new arrivals recorded in October was 9,877 individuals, 7,013 of Octobers total arrivals crossed the Red Sea (from Djibouti) while 2,852 crossed the Arabian Sea (from Somaliland / Puntland). Red Sea Arrivals: 71% of migrants arriving in Yemen during the reporting period crossed the Red Sea (from Djibouti) while 29% crossed the Arabian Sea (from Somaliland / Puntland). In October, 76 % of the new arrivals were non-Somalis while 24 % were Somalis. The proportion of Non - Somalis crossing to Yemen increased by 22 % between September 2012 and October, 2012. Main Drivers/push factors: Lack of economic opportunities and insecurity continues to be cited as the main reasons for flight by new arrivals to Yemen. The majority of those Somalis citing insecurity were fleeing from S-C Somalia. It remains to be seen how the ouster of the Al-Shabaab group from Kismayu will affect security in the area. The majority of non-Somalis making their way to Yemen via the Red Sea were from Oromia State. There were also Ethiopians hailing from Ogaden, Amhara, Tigray, Silte and Affar regions. Boats & passengers: Over the reporting period the total number of boats arriving on the Yemeni coast with migrants was, 43 vessels crossing the Arabian sea and 102 crossing the Red Sea. The average number of passengers on each boat was 68 people per trip (not including smugglers/crew). The number of boats crossing the Red Sea continue to rise the numbers rising from 92 and 95 in August and September to the over 100 boats in October. Migrant vulnerability: New arrivals continue to report that they are forcefully transported and held hostage on arrival in Yemen and are only released on paying a ransom of between 100 to 300 USD ransom fees. The ransom money is transferred through a money transfer agent in Taiz Yemen. In October, there were some migrant deaths in Yemen, two bodies believed to be of migrants of Ethiopian origin were found on the beaches after arrival while an Ethiopian male fell to his death from a moving vehicle after he was forcefully bundled out of the vehicle by Yemeni inland smugglers. Women continue to face sexual and gender based violence during the sea journey to Yemen. In October, 2012; there were 20 cases reported and the women offered counseling on arrival in Yemen. One of the more serious cases counseled was that of a woman who reported being abducted for three years in Obock, Djibouti while onroute to Yemen, she was detained for three years and in that time was repeatedly raped which resulted in a pregnancy and a child. As reported earlier, sexual assaults are often either perpetrated by Affari smugglers in Obock or by Yemeni smuggling crew during the boat journey. Reports indicate that many cases of SGBV taking place when the smuggling crew disembarks in Al Jadid, a dialogue session has been held with local leaders in an attempt to curb the violence. Unaccompanied Minors: In October, there was a notable number of unaccompanied female minors migrating to Yemen many as young as 13 years. Unaccompanied migrants are counseled on the risks they may face in Yemen and are then urged to seek refuge in Kharaz Refugee camp. Deaths at Sea: In line with the trend observed throughout 2012, there were no confirmed reported deaths at sea from those crossing to Yemen in October IDPs: As previously reported, the continued insecurity in Yemen hinders large scale return of IDPs and recent clashes have resulted in new displacement. With government control of parts of Abyan since June 2012, some IDPs have returned to the area, however, this return has been limited due to the presence of un-exploded land mines and UXOs. The counting of IDPs in Yemen has come under some political pressure due to the associated interests of different groups in presenting high or low numbers, the most up-to-date figure (30th June UNHCR/GoY) available is that there are a total of 545,318 registered internally displaced people. Of this figure, 335,415 are said to be in the North, of which 36% are in the Hajjah governorate and 32% in Saada governorate. 209,895 are in the South of which 72% are in Aden, the largest group of IDPs overall. Insecurity in Yemen: Insecurity continues to be a major issue in Yemen. The security situation continues to be volatile especially in the Abyan governorate, south of Yemen. Government security agencies are fighting to regain control of vast regions in the south which have been under the control of the Al-Qaeda linked radical group Ansar Al-Sharia and its affiliates. During the month of October 6 suicide bombers attacked the 115th Infantry Brigade, leaving 18 soldiers dead and 30 others wounded; there were also several reported cases of random kidnappings of

foreigners. The risk of foreigners and aid workers being kidnapped is extremely high. Ethiopians stranded in North Yemen: As previously reported, for many months there have been around 4000 Ethiopian migrants stranded in North Yemen around the city of Haradh close to the border with Saudi Arabia. Repatriation of these migrants back to Ethiopia from Yemen, continues with assistance of IOM chartered flights.
Caveat: Despite the network of local partners collecting data along parts of the Arabian and Red Sea coasts it cannot be assumed that this data captures all new arrivals. Particularly, there may be those that arrive along the northern stretches of the Red Sea coast, beyond the data networks. Consequently the actual numbers of new arrivals in Yemen may be higher. Yemen Red Crescent and the Danish Refugee Council are planning to extend the patrol area further north along the Red Sea coast.

Other Regional news

Flash flooding causes displacement in East Africa: A famine early warning systems network reveals that El Nino rainfall patterns will continue to take place in Eastern Africa and the Horn of Africa from September 2012 to early 2013. So far the heavy rains have caused widespread displacement of persons. In Ethiopia (Gambella Region) and Somalia (Hiraan province) but also in Sudan where 25,000 persons were displaced in the South Eastern State of Sennar. Uganda: There has been an increased refugee influx to Uganda from the Democratic Republic of Congo and an estimated 47,600 new DRC refugees have migrated between January and 3rd October, 2012. These refugees add to the already 81,000 refugees in the country. Deportation of Burundians: Following a screening exercise of some 38,000 Burundians living in the Mtabila refugee camp in the Kigoma region, the Tanzania authorities have set a deadline for repatriation by 31 st December 2012. However, this has led to a tense and uncertain atmosphere within the camps resulting in many refugees moving to other countries such as Mozambique.

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