Another flight took off recently from Aden carrying 146 Ethiopian migrants to Addis Ababa.
The flight was organized under the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR).
IOM resumed its voluntary humanitarian return (VHR) flights from Yemen to Ethiopia, during last December, the first movement since September2023 .
Insecurity and the lack of essentials like food, shelter and healthcare, along with exploitative labor conditions and violence perpetuated by groups involved in smuggling and trafficking, make life in Yemen challenging and extremely dangerous.
According to IMO , nearly 43,000 migrants are stranded in dire conditions in Yemen, unable to continue their journeys or return home.
VHR flights are considered a lifeline for stranded migrants in Yemen. The programme establishes an efficient system for dignified returns to Ethiopia, ensuring essential access, logistics, and safety measures.
Prior to the interruption of the VHR programme, more than 6,000 Ethiopian migrants had safely returned home from Yemen last year through flights originating from Ma’rib, Sana’a and Aden. Upon returning to Ethiopia, they receive comprehensive post-arrival assistance, encompassing onward transportation, medical assistance, mental health and psychosocial support, family tracing and reunification of unaccompanied migrant children in line with best interest procedures, and tailored reintegration support.