[04/July/2009]

SANA'A, July 04 (Saba) – Japan has allocated $ 1.5 million for Yemen in aid which comes to help the Yemeni authorities cope with the influx of African refugees into the country.

A statement by the Japanese embassy in Sana'a said the sum would be channeled through the UN Higher Commissioner for Refugees in Yemen to implement programs for the refugees.

In April, Japan provided $ 5 million in humanitarian assistance to improve the conditions of the African refugees in Yemen.

In a statement, the Japanese embassy said two million dollars out of the grant would be channeled through the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the remaining sum would be directed through the International Migration Organization.

The sum would be used to improve the living condition of the refugees in areas such as food, health, housing and waters.

Around 150,000 refugees arrived in Yemen this year, according to the UNHCR and 50.000 arrived last year.

African refugees, mostly Somali and Ethiopian, arrive in Yemen almost daily.

Yemen says the number of those refugees who have already reached its territories exceeds 700.000 people, with the country calling for further international support to cope with the flow.

FR