After nine years of war, Yemen remains one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. An estimated 4.5 million people—14 percent of the population—are currently displaced, with many having been forced to flee multiple times. Two-thirds of Yemen’s population—21.6 million people—are in dire need of humanitarian assistance and protection services. The threat of large-scale famine is more acute than ever, with tens of thousands already living in famine-like conditions and six million more on the brink.
Here’s What You Need to Know:
- When did the crisis in Yemen begin?
- Where are Yemenis fleeing to?
- What are some of the biggest challenges facing people in Yemen?
- How are Yemeni women and children being impacted by the conflict?
- How is Humanity Increased helping in Yemen?
When Did the Crisis in Yemen Begin?
The civil war in Yemen began in 2015, stemming from clashes between Yemeni government forces and the Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah. Over the past nine years, the conflict and resulting economic decline have devastated civilian life, displacing millions and leaving two-thirds of the population in desperate need of aid. Even before the current crisis, Yemen was the most vulnerable country in the Middle East, with high malnutrition rates, widespread poverty, and limited access to safe water.
Where Are Yemenis Fleeing To?
Yemen’s internal displacement crisis is one of the largest in the world. Around 4.5 million people are internally displaced, with many having been uprooted multiple times since 2015. These internally displaced persons (IDPs) face harsh living conditions, often in flood-prone or dangerous areas with limited access to food, healthcare, and sanitation services. Despite the ongoing conflict, Yemen also hosts over 97,000 refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from Somalia and Ethiopia, making it the world’s third largest host of Somali refugees.
What Are Some of the Biggest Challenges Facing People in Yemen?
Yemen faces multiple, intersecting crises, including the risk of widespread famine, ongoing violence, collapsing services, and prolonged displacement. Natural disasters like droughts and floods further exacerbate these challenges, heightening the need for humanitarian aid. The war in Ukraine has also had a global impact, driving up food and fuel prices and disrupting supply chains. In Yemen, this has resulted in unprecedented levels of hunger, with 17.3 million people suffering from acute food insecurity, including six million on the verge of famine.
How Are Yemeni Women and Children Being Impacted by the Conflict?
Women and children bear the brunt of Yemen’s humanitarian crisis. They constitute more than three-quarters of all displaced people, and many households are female-headed, with a significant number led by girls under 18. These women and girls face numerous challenges, including inequality, limited access to services, and increased risks of gender-based violence and exploitation. Malnutrition rates among women and children are among the highest globally, with 1.3 million pregnant or breastfeeding women needing treatment for acute malnutrition.
Children in Yemen continue to suffer from preventable diseases and malnutrition, with 2.2 million under the age of five requiring treatment for acute malnutrition. The conflict has also disrupted education, leaving 2.5 million children out of school and 8.6 million needing educational assistance.
How Is Humanity Increased Helping in Yemen?
Humanity Increased is committed to alleviating the suffering in Yemen by providing comprehensive humanitarian aid and support. Our efforts include:
- Emergency Shelter and Housing: Distributing shelter kits and materials to help displaced families rebuild their homes.
- Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensuring access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Food Security: Providing food aid and nutritional support to combat malnutrition, particularly among children and the elderly.
- Health and Medical Services: Offering medical care, vaccinations, and mental health support to address both immediate and long-term health needs.
- Education and Skills Development: Supporting education for children and providing skills training for adults to improve livelihood opportunities.
- Protection and Legal Assistance: Offering legal aid and protection services, particularly for women and children, to safeguard against exploitation and abuse.
By addressing these critical needs, Humanity Increased aims to provide immediate relief and foster long-term resilience in Yemen’s most vulnerable communities.
How You Can Help
The crisis in Yemen requires ongoing support. Contributions to Humanity Increased can make a significant difference. Here are ways you can help:
- Donate: Financial contributions are crucial for sustaining aid efforts. They help procure essential items, support local economies, and reduce logistical burdens.
- Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support humanitarian projects, both locally and internationally.
- Raise Awareness: Share information about the Yemen crisis to increase awareness and encourage broader support.
Conclusion
Yemen’s humanitarian crisis is one of the most severe and complex in the world today. Understanding the plight of the Yemeni people and supporting efforts to provide relief and aid is crucial. Through the efforts of Humanity Increased and the support of individuals worldwide, we can help ensure that these vulnerable populations receive the care and assistance they desperately need. Let us act with compassion and generosity to help the people of Yemen rebuild their lives and secure a better future. May our collective efforts bring relief and peace to these suffering communities.