IOM: Two rescued, more than 180 migrants missing after boats sink off Yemen coast

“Those who survive the journey to Yemen often find themselves trapped in a difficult situation. Migrants passing through the country are often subjected to violence, detention, forced labour and other forms of exploitation,” the statement continued.

Many face kidnapping and extortion by human traffickers and armed groups, while others are stranded with no means to continue their journey or return home. Yet, despite these risks, thousands continue to make the journey every year. More than 60,000 migrants arrived in Yemen last year alone.

Since 2014, IOM’s Missing Migrants Project has recorded more than 3,400 deaths and disappearances along the eastern route, including more than 580 women and 100 children. 1,400 of these deaths were due to drowning, the statement said.