A dangerous journey to find my missing nephew

The reason Jamal (pseudonym), an Ethiopian in his early 30s, took the migration route known as the 'Eastern Route' was not to find work or wealth. It was to find his 16-year-old nephew who went missing while heading to Saudi Arabia.

According to a report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), tens of thousands of Ethiopians travel through this route every year. It is one of the most dangerous migration corridors in the world, crossing the arid regions of Ethiopia and Djibouti, crossing the Gulf of Aden and passing through war-torn Yemen.

Most of them are fleeing conflict, forced migration, poverty and climate disaster. Others are deceived by false promises from human traffickers who profit from desperation.

Kidnapping, ransom, and failed release

Jamal's nephew was one of the kidnapped victims in Yemen. The kidnappers demanded a ransom and the family paid, but the boy was never released.

Jamal says he had no choice. “My brother had no other children. I had no choice but to go look for my nephew.”

He deliberately approached human traffickers in Yemen. He hoped that he too would be taken to the place where his nephew was detained. The plan succeeded. Jamal was reunited with his nephew, but had to pretend not to know him to avoid suspicion.

While preparing to escape, Jamal helped other victims escape. However, he was discovered before he could escape.

Horrible torture and miraculous escape

Punishment was immediate and cruel. Jamal was forced to watch as other victims were beaten, mutilated and burned.

Next it was his turn. The kidnappers wrapped his feet in plastic and set them on fire. The burns have left permanent damage, affecting his gait, sleep and the way he lives with the memories of that night.

The opportunity to escape came from an unexpected place. A conflict broke out between rival human trafficking organizations. In the chaos, Jamal and his nephew ran.

After surviving for several months by washing cars in Yemen, Jamal finally arrived in Djibouti. There, I was able to receive treatment for my injuries and psychosocial support at the IOM Migrant Response Center in Obock. He says it was the first time someone had asked him not only where he was from, but also how he was holding up.

Eastern route becomes increasingly violent

According to IOM, the eastern route has become more dangerous in recent years with a surge in kidnappings, extortion and systematic abuse. Human trafficking organizations are systematically committing crimes by taking advantage of the desperation of migrants.

Jamal is currently preparing to return to Ethiopia. I haven't yet told my mother what happened.

“My mother saw me leaving in good health. I’m worried about what she would think if she saw me like this. I think I need to explain this carefully.”

Implications for Korea

This case shows a cross-section of the problems of illegal migration and human trafficking that are worsening around the world. As a country that hosts migrant workers in the Asian region, Korea also needs to actively participate in international cooperation to secure legal and safe migration routes and prevent human trafficking.