There, people are not only in despair, but in many cases, desperate to leave. Each year, tens of thousands of Somalis attempt a dangerous crossing through the Gulf of Aden to Yemen, in search of a better life.

According to the UN, 30,000 Somalis made the crossing to Yemen in 2007.  In 2008 the number jumped to 50,000 as unrest in Somalia increased.

Thousands die during the journey, their bodies washed ashore and found by local fishermen who are witnessing a tragedy unfold before their eyes.

Yemenis and Somalis share a special bond of brotherhood, facilitated in part by similar traditions and a common faith. That is why generations of Yemenis have helped Somali refugees who flee their war-torn country, providing them with food, water and a place to rest. 

Many Somalis are now well-integrated in the Yemeni population. However, as more and more bodies wash up on shore, the compassion and generosity of these villagers is being tested.

Lingua Fracas

In part two of this week's People & Power, we explore a microcosm of Belgium's divided societies.

Ever since Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 the issue of language has been a divisive one.

The country remains separated into Dutch speaking Flanders and French speaking Wallonia. Its capital, Brussels lies within Flanders but officially it is bi-lingual, and claimed by both communities. 

St-Genesius-Rode is one of the communities surrounding Brussels. Officially it is a Dutch speaking enclave but French speakers are now the majority there and have been granted the right to communicate with the town's administration in French.

The Dutch speaking minority believe this arrangement puts their cultural identity in peril. People & Power investigates.

This episode of People & Power aired from Saturday, March 28, 2009.