The United Nations Refugee Agency, UNHCR, on Friday warned of life-threatening gaps in assistance to victims of trafficking and other vulnerable people in need of protection, along different routes within the Sahel and East Africa.

The agency noted that thousands of people fleeing persecution, armed conflict, violence and poverty are subject to horrific abuse every year while traveling through the Sahel and East Africa towards northern Africa.

The displaced persons face sexual abuse and rape, kidnappings for ransom, abandonments in the desert, and being subjected to physical and psychological torture.

UNHCR laments a shortage of safe shelter options for the displaced persons, a lack of mental health and psychosocial support as well as medical services in most countries. The displaced persons also endure a lack of adequate legal support in their quests for asylum.

"When such services do not exist, an inherently dangerous journey in search of safety or opportunity can turn into a hellish struggle for sheer survival," said Vincent Cochetel, UNHCR's Special Envoy for the Western and Central Mediterranean Situation.

"Collectively, we need to do more to end these abuses and increase services along these routes for people requiring access to protection.”

According to UNHCR's global statistics, 73 percent of those who flee stay within their region of origin. Over three million refugees and internally displaced people are seeking protection in the Sahel alone. However, the lack of services when they are on the move may trigger further dangerous onward journeys.

The agency called for sustained efforts to address the root causes of forced displacement. It also called for the expansion of safe and legal pathways for refugees, which are instrumental to providing viable alternatives to human smuggling and trafficking.

(With input from UNHCR)