Yemeni authorities say the total number of Somalis in Yemen is more than 400,000, burdening the limited resources of one of the world's poorest countries. It also has a run-down clinic. Two Somalis and a Sudanese doctor, including a paediatrician, work in shifts to provide health care, but refugees complain that hygiene is poor and medicine in short supply. Disputes are settled by the camp's elders. One of the few activities is the making of furniture and mats as part of an arts and crafts programme.
Boredom looms large.
Relations are good with the Yemeni authorities, who offer us hospitality. Those desperate to flee Somalia use boats piloted by armed smugglers who refuse to obey the Yemeni coast guard. Somalia, which has been without a central government since 1991, is wracked by warfare between feuding clans.