KEY FIGURES
7,002
Refugees registered since the outbreak of the crisis
2,945
Registered females.
2,633
Registered children and adolescents.
PRIORITIES
Ensure protection of refugees and asylum seekers and provide assistance.
Provide documents to refugees.
Work with the government to ensure access to territory and freedom of movement.
Continue to develop the infrastructure at Markazi camp.
Continue border monitoring activities.
HIGHLIGHTS
According to the latest available statistics from IOM and the Djibouti government, 33,340 persons of mixed nationalities have arrived in Djibouti as of 15 March 2016 (since 26 March 2015). Of those, 18,952 persons (57 per cent) are Yemeni nationals, 12,427 (37 per cent) are transiting migrants and 1,961 persons (6 per cent) are Djiboutian returnees.
As of 31 March 2016, UNHCR and ONARS registered 7,002 refugees of which 6,766 are Yemeni nationals; the majority was registered in Obock.
UPDATE ON ACHIEVEMENTS
Operational Context and Migration
Border monitoring trends continue at the ports of Djibouti and Obock and along the northern coast of Djibouti. The trend remains the same with small numbers of Yemenis seeking asylum in Djibouti. An average of 40 individuals a week are registered by UNHCR and ONARS.
There are so far 567 Yemeni refugees who have returned simultaneously from Obock to their place of origin in Yemen; namely Bab Al Mandab, based on the refugee cards and attestations they are returning to UNHCR and boat manifestations at the port of Obock. The UNHCR team in Obock continues to raise the awareness of refugees on the security situation in Yemen which remains extremely volatile.
On 22 March, UNHCR in Obock received a delegation from the Arab Human Rights Committee of the League of Arab States. The delegation visited the available health facilities in the camp, observed the food distribution which was taking place that day, and discussed with refugees their urgent needs.
The Republic of Djibouti’s presidential campaign began on 25 March 2016, ahead of the presidential elections which are scheduled to take place on 8 April 2016. Six candidates are expected to run for presidency including the current president, Mr. Ismail Omar Guelleh, who has been in office since 1999.