UNICEF is working alongside the Government of Djibouti to support children arriving from Yemen

Djibouti, 13 September 2026 – Around 1,400 people, including women and many children, have arrived on the Djiboutian coast over the past twenty-four hours. Further arrivals are expected in the coming days due to the deteriorating security situation in Yemen.

UNICEF expresses its solidarity with the families reaching the Djiboutian coast after fleeing violence and insecurity. Throughout their journey, children face numerous risks, particularly during the sea crossing of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. They are also exposed to extreme heat, dehydration and a lack of access to safe drinking water.

After a difficult crossing, the families disembark on the beaches in northern Djibouti, situated some 20 kilometres from the Yemeni coast. The Government of Djibouti then arranges for their transfer to reception centres in Obock, where humanitarian assistance is organised.

Working in coordination with the Government of Djibouti and its partners, including the Djibouti Red Crescent and United Nations agencies such as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF is providing an emergency response for children and their families.

UNICEF’s support focuses primarily on access to safe drinking water, hygiene and sanitation, as well as child protection. Teams are fully mobilised to meet the immediate needs of new arrivals, identify the most vulnerable children and refer them swiftly to the appropriate services.

UNICEF continues to work alongside the national authorities and humanitarian partners to ensure that every child arriving in Djibouti receives assistance and protection tailored to their needs.