Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


COVID-19 Increases Risks for Tens of Thousands of Ethiopian Migrants Stranded
in Yemen

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA - The International Organization for Migrationsaid tens of
   thousands of Ethiopian migrants stranded in war-torn Yemen are in fear
   for their lives as COVID-19 spreads throughout the country and
   life-saving aid is in short supply.

   More than 1,460 cases of coronavirus, including 418 deaths are reported
   in Yemen, but aid agencies believe the true number is much higher. As
   this deadly disease spreads widely throughout local communities, the
   U.N.migration agency warns thousands of Ethiopian migrants areatgreater
   risk.

   IOM spokesman Paul Dillon said migrants are subject to forcible
   relocation, arbitrary detention and abuse, as well as fear of falling
   sick and dying from COVID-19 with little prospect of receiving
   treatment.

   "For nearly six years, Yemen has been an extremely unsafe place to be a
   migrant. COVID-19 has made this situation worse; migrants are
   scapegoated as carriers of the virus and as a result, suffer exclusion
   and violence," Dillon said. "In addition to the forced removals, fears
   about COVID-19 have led to migrants in Yemen experiencing verbal and
   physical harassment, increased detention and movement restrictions."

.