Surviving the Deadly Eastern Migration Route

"Surviving the Deadly Eastern Migration Route" is a poignant documentary film that exposes the perilous journey undertaken by migrants traveling from Ethiopia to the Gulf states through the treacherous eastern migration route. The film follows the stories of courageous individuals who face unimaginable risks, driven by the desperate pursuit of better opportunities.

Ahmed, one of the migrants, expresses his willingness to embrace the dangers, even in the face of potential death. He describes the harrowing conditions aboard overcrowded boats, where the slightest weight imbalance can lead to a catastrophic capsize. Another migrant shares his arduous journey, walking through vast distances, crossing borders, and enduring hardships to reach Bosaso.

With over 280,000 migrants braving this route since 2019, the film sheds light on the underlying factors driving their migration, including economic instability, conflicts, and the devastating impact of climate events like prolonged droughts. Somalia serves as a crucial transit country for these migrants, who often rely on smugglers to navigate borders and checkpoints.

Through compelling interviews and firsthand accounts, the film chronicles the experiences of migrants still en route to Yemen, those stranded along the way, and others who were deported from the Gulf states but remain determined to return. It exposes the sufferings they endure during their journey, including the abuses inflicted by smugglers and the challenges of being stranded in cities like Bosaso.

Amidst the hardships, the film highlights the role of migrant response centers strategically located throughout Somalia. Collaborating with the Somali government and humanitarian partners, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) provides vital protection and assistance to migrants. Viewers witness the impact of these centers, offering safe spaces and support for pregnant women and others who have endured trauma during their migration.

However, the film also highlights the urgent need for increased funding. With reduced support over the years, migrant response centers face the risk of closure, leaving hundreds of thousands of migrants without access to life-saving assistance. The disruption of humanitarian aid and protection interventions exposes them to heightened risks, including violence, abuse, and exploitation.

"Surviving the Deadly Eastern Migration Route" serves as an educational film, aiming to raise awareness and funds for the migrant response centers. By sharing the migrants' stories, it highlights the critical need for ongoing support to alleviate human suffering and protect vulnerable individuals on their journey towards a better life.