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Think before making the dangerous crossing to Yemen, musicians urge

Think before making the dangerous crossing to Yemen, musicians urge

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During 2016, more than 117,000 refugees arrived in war-stricken Yemen, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), despite the escalating conflict there.

Many were lured by smugglers to take a perilous boat journey from Africa across the Gulf of Aden, or the Red Sea, in search of a better future.

UN figures released on Wednesday show that an estimated 17 million people in Yemen are going hungry and more than 2 million have been displaced.

UNHCR recently launched a major campaign called “Dangerous Crossings” to highlight the horrendous conditions and rising risks of trying to reach Yemen.

The campaign enlisted the support of musicians from across the region, led by the renowned singer and former refugee herself, Maryam Mursal.

Ana Carmo has more.

Duration: 4'17"

Photo Credit
UNCHR/Timothy Kaldas