Ethiopian Diaspora Funds IOM through USAIM to Aid Ethiopian Migrants Stranded in Yemen
GENEVA, Switzerland, January 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Global Alliance for the Rights of Ethiopians in Saudi Arabia has donated an additional USD 32,000 to support IOM's ongoing assistance to Ethiopian migrants stranded in Yemen.
This second contribution from the Ethiopian diaspora organization based in Washington, DC follows an initial USD 30,000 contribution earlier this month earmarked to provide humanitarian assistance to Ethiopians returning from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Chairman of the Global Alliance, Mr. Tamagne Beyene, hopes to continue mobilizing Ethiopians in the Washington, DC area, estimated at over 250,000 strong, to support their fellow country men and women. “We are delighted to be able to support fellow Ethiopians who are stranded in Yemen so they can return to our home country,” said Mr. Beyene.
The new funding will allow IOM in Yemen to continue to provide vital medical assistance, food and shelter to Ethiopains stranded in Yemen and waiting to return to Ethiopia. IOM has provided urgent medical assistance to tens of thousands of Ethiopians migrants stranded in Yemen, and has helped thousands of them to return home via IOM-charter flights.
Luca Dall'Oglio, IOM Chief of Mission in Washington, DC accepted their contribution and said: “We recognize the impressive organization of Ethiopian communities around the world, which can serve as an example for other groups. The Global Alliance has demonstrated the power of a community; we hope other populations will replicate these efforts.”
Dr. Aklog Birara, Chair of the Foreign Relations and Diplomatic Team of the Global Alliance said: “We are grateful for the unique information IOM and USAIM provided to us today. It allows us insight into the situation on the ground.”
So far, more than 155,000 Ethiopians have returned to their country following a Saudi crackdown on irregular migration. IOM provides family tracing and reunification for unaccompanied child returnees, but there are currently no child-friendly spaces at the transit centers. Migrants also need medical attention, psychological support, food, water, sanitation, hygiene and help to reintegrate back into their communities.
The funds were received by IOM's US-based partner, USAIM. USAIM is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States that aims to broaden public awareness, mobilize private sector resources, and promote best practices in support of domestic and international programs benefiting migrants, displaced persons, and families.
USAIM seeks to establish and maintain partnerships with individuals, foundations, and corporations interested in supporting international humanitarian projects to benefit migrants and their communities and to support IOM programs.