Reference :
V-P-SO-E-00721
Date :
21/05/2015
Caption :
Bossaso. Somali Red Crescent volunteers assist Zeynab, a Somali returnee who fled from the violence in Yemen, to reestablish contact with her husband.
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Description :
ICRC Blog Somalia, article from the 7 July 2015:
" [...] In Somalia, the ICRC, in collaboration with the Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS) has been trying to re-establish contact between relatives separated by conflict. The situation in the country remains fragile and efforts to locate people and put them back in touch with their families are ongoing.
Fleeing armed conflict in Yemen.
More recently, the need for this crucial service has grown with the escalating conflict in Yemen. Since the conflict began in March, close to 19,000 people have fled for safety to the shores of Somalia. The bulk of the arrivals are in Bossaso, Puntland region, with approximately 13,000 people reported to have arrived there by the end of June.
Zeynab, a Somali returnee from Yemen, arrived in Bossaso with her three children. The sweltering hot weather that greeted them, highs of 40 degrees, is a stark reminder that the life they had become accustomed to at Kharaz refugee camp in Lahj, South-west of Yemen, is no more.
“I remember preparing breakfast for my children, but it was not meant to be. The gun fire and explosions had become intense. The fighting was at our doorstep. We had no choice but to flee for safety.”
She lost contact with her husband amid the chaos. Fortunately, upon arriving at Bossaso, SRCS volunteers helped her reestablish contact with her husband.
“No news from my husband for close to a month. I was so worried. I heard his voice on the phone and was relieved he is alive.” Zeynab said after talking to him on phone.
The torment of uncertainty over her husband’s fate has been eased.
Ahmed Zaroug, Protection Coordinator overseeing the Restoring Family Links (RFL) program in Somalia explains ICRC’s involvement.
“The situation in Yemen has consequences that extend beyond its borders. We are saddened by the impact it is having on the civilian population. While ICRC is trying to deliver essential needs in Yemen, here in Somalia, with the SRCS, we help the refugees and returnees reconnect with their families.”
He adds, “It gives them peace of mind to know the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones.”
The Somali Red Crescent volunteers also provide medical aid to the arrivals, some of whom are visibly unwell after the long voyage.
ICRC has been assisting victims who fled the violence in Yemen re-establishing contact with their relatives as well as seeking to clarify the fate of those who remain missing. As at the end of June, over 4000 phone calls were made to families by arrivals from Yemen. [...]"
Original material :
digital
Resolution :
4000x3000
Orientation :
landscape
Colour/B&W :
colour
