Figures from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) show that as at January 2008, there were 79,000 Somali refugees in Yemen. This figure is projected to rise to 82,720 by the end of 2008.
The Department for International Development (DFID) is not currently providing assistance to UNHCR for the purpose of supporting Somali refugees in Yemen. However, through DFID’s bilateral programme in Yemen, we will be providing £7 million between 2008 and 2013 to support efforts to increase access to justice and policing for all those living in Yemen.
DFID is also working in Somalia, to improve governance, security, health, education, livelihoods and provide emergency humanitarian relief. Our support is aimed at building more stable conditions so that fewer Somalis feel forced to seek a better life elsewhere.