Solace in Djibouti?
While the focus of the refugee crisis has been in the Mediterranean Sea, hundreds of Yemenis are fleeing the conflict in their country and making their way across the Gulf of Aden to Djibouti.
Praying for help
A refugee from Yemen prays outside his tent in Markazi refugee camp near Obock, Djibouti. As of June 2, 2015, the UN estimated that around 16 million people in Yemen were in need of humanitarian assistance.
Boat people
Djibouti is the only neighboring country that accepts refugees from Yemen. Crossing the ocean is the only way to get there. Many of the Yemeni refugees come by boat to the capital of Djibouti, where they are told to take the ferry to the small town of Obock and the UN Markazi refugee camp.
Tent city
The UNHCR has provided tents for the Markazi refugee camp in Obock. As of May 20, 2015, some 1,055 refugees were living in the camp. That number is expected to grow rapidly over the coming weeks and months as the conflict in Yemen shows no sign of abating.
Temperature rising
Because of the extreme heat in the tents many Yemeni refugees in the camp sleep outside. During the day the temperatures can go beyond 40C, and many of the refugees complain about the unbearable heat.
Finding their feet
Refugee children from Yemen play football in Markazi refugee camp. According to UNICEF almost 8 million children in Yemen are in need of humanitarian assistance.
Innocence lost
One of the many child refugees in the camp. The conflict in Yemen has killed over 1,900 people, including 149 children.