Sunday November 28, 2021
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), through its Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) program, said that it facilitated the safe return of 32 Somali migrants in the month of November.
“Currently, there are nearly 6,000 Somali migrants in Libya, many of whom are still stranded,” said Federico Soda, Chief of Mission, IOM Libya.
“The VHR program is a lifeline for these migrants opting to return home and rebuild their lives.”
Ten returnees arrived in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, and 22 in Hargeisa, on 18 and 23 November, respectively. Upon their arrival in the country, the 32 returnees were received by staff from IOM Somalia and provided with post-arrival assistance including basic medical, psychosocial and counselling support, as well onward transportation to their communities of origin.
The returnees are also eligible for in-kind reintegration support which can be in the form of social, psychosocial and economic assistance. Child migrant returnees qualify for assistance enabling them to return to school. Livelihood support can also be extended to the families of minors.
Mariam Yassin, the Special Envoy for Migrants’ and Children’s Rights in the Office of the Federal Prime Minister of Somalia, welcomed the group of 10 returnees at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport.
“It was an overwhelming experience for all of us to see you back home. However, there are so many young men and women stranded in Libya and a lot still needs be done in terms of prevention. Every migrant has the right to go back home in a safe and dignified manner,” she said.