HIGHLIGHTS
- According to the latest available statistics from IOM and the Djibouti government, 35,562 persons of mixed nationalities have arrived in Djibouti as of 23 April 2016 (since 26 March 2015). Of those, 19,636 persons (56 per cent) are Yemeni nationals, 13,962 (38 per cent) are transiting migrants and 1,964 persons (6 per cent) are Djiboutian returnees.
- As at 20 June 2016, there are 3,523 refugees currently in Djibouti (pending forthcoming verification exercises in Obock town and Djibouti city). Markazi camp hosts approximately 1,365 refugees.
KEY FIGURES
3,523
Refugees currently hosted in Djibouti pending further physical verification exercises
1,600
Registered females.
1,256
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
UPDATE ON ACHIEVEMENTS
Operational Context and Migration
World Refugee Day is celebrated each year on 20 June to commemorate the strength, courage and resilience of millions of refugees around the world. With 65.3 million people forced to flee globally, that means one human in every 113 is displaced by conflict or persecution. UNHCR sees 2016 as a year to take collective responsibility and action to end the conflicts which force people to flee their homes and countries and also to help the millions of people whose lives have been destroyed by this violence. UNHCR has urged people around the world to stand #WithRefugees and to sign a petition which will be delivered to UN Headquarters in New York ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting on September 19.
The petition asks governments to: Ensure every child gets an education; Ensure every refugee family has somewhere safe to live; Ensure every refugee can work or learn new skills to make a positive contribution to their community. The Government of Djibouti has generously opened its doors to people fleeing their homes to escape violence, conflict and drought. Today Djibouti hosts over 19,000 refugees, the majority of whom are Somali refugees. This year, the Government of Djibouti will be celebrating World Refugee Day after the holy month of Ramadan and though celebrations will cover all refugees country-wide, an official ceremony will take place in Obock where Yemeni refugees are hosted.
Meanwhile, UNHCR continues to advise refugees in Markazi camp on the dangers of return to Yemen. The numbers of returns have significantly decreased. In February, March and April there were 846 returns, in May 158 returns and in June so far 30 returns.