MOGADISHU, Dec 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Two UN agencies said, some 5,087 Somali refugees have so far returned home from Yemen, since it started an Assisted Spontaneous Return (ASR) programme, in 2017.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said, 39 organised departures have taken place, from Yemen to Somalia, since the ASR programme commenced two years ago.
“IOM provides operational support to refugee return movements, through chartering a boat, providing medical support upon arrival, and transportation assistance to the refugees’ final destinations.”
The agencies said, a boat carrying 145 Somali refugees left the Port of Aden on Thursday, and arrived at the Port of Berbera on Friday, in the latest departure.
Amongst those who departed on Thursday was 20-year-old Naima, who is hoping to go back to school in Somalia.
“She had to stop her education 10 years ago, when her father got sick. Naima was left helping her mother around the house and working in the family business,” said the UN agencies.
“I hope to be able to go back to school, complete my education, study medicine, and one day become a doctor,” said Naima.– NNN-AGENCIES
