UNHCR Gets briefed on Major Challenges in Addressing Illegal Migration in Shabwa

SMA NEWS – ATAQ
As part of the ongoing efforts of the local authorities in Shabwa Governorate, headed by Governor Awad Mohammed bin Al-Wazir, to address the escalating challenges resulting from illegal migration, Shabwa Deputy Governor Fahd bin Al-Dheeb Al-Khalifi held a meeting with the Director of the UNHCR Office in Yemen – Aden Office, Mr. Mohammed Rafiq Nasr.

During the meeting, they discussed the heavy burdens borne by the governorate as a result of the increasing influx of illegal migrants, in which Deputy Governor Al-Khalifi reviewed the accumulated pressures on the health, security, and basic services sectors in the governorate, stressing that the large influx of migrants constitutes an additional burden on the local authorities, who are doing their utmost to address this thorny humanitarian issue, in light of the tangible absence of the role of some relevant international organizations.

Al-Khalifi emphasized that Shabwah Governorate has met all criteria for international intervention, in terms of security stability and the opening of Ataq International Airport, which facilitated access. This requires UN organizations to assume their humanitarian responsibilities urgently and effectively.

For his part, the UNHCR representative expressed the organization’s deep appreciation for the efforts of the local authorities, led by Governor Awad bin Al-Wazir, in treating migrants humanely and respecting their rights, in accordance with international humanitarian law. He affirmed the UNHCR’s commitment to strengthening direct coordination with donors and UN organizations and working to include Shabwah Governorate among the priorities for future humanitarian interventions.