For close to ten years, there has been ongoing conflict in Yemen between Government forces, supported by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia, and Houthi rebels who have significant control over the country. As a result, 18.2 million Yemenis require urgent assistance and protection to save their lives, and approximately 17.6 million are at risk of severe food insecurity.

The 2024 HRP was developed through extensive discussions with individuals impacted, government officials and organizations, humanitarian workers, and development collaborators at both the regional and national scales.

This also demonstrates how the humanitarian sector will adjust its operations when faced with limited finances and restricted access.

‘A critical juncture’ 

Peter Hawkins, the temporary UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen, stated that the country is at a crucial point and has a special chance to make significant progress in alleviating the humanitarian crisis by tackling the root causes of need.

“Despite the added risks brought by regional conflicts, the humanitarian community remains dedicated to staying and providing aid.”

Since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza in October, Houthi insurgents have been initiating assaults on merchant vessels in the Red Sea, impacting international commerce and escalating political tensions.

Countries such as the United States and United Kingdom have countered with retaliatory measures.

Protect individuals, develop strength and adaptability

The HRP places importance on working together with development partners to aid in improving livelihoods, essential services, and economic circumstances for the purpose of creating lasting solutions. This aligns with the $1.3 billion UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Yemen, which covers the years 2022 to 2025.

“We cannot abandon the Yemeni people. I urge donors to continue providing urgent support to save lives, promote resilience, and fund long-term solutions,” stated Mr. Hawkins.

According to humanitarian reports, there has been a slight improvement in child mortality rates in Yemen in 2023 after receiving continuous aid for several years. However, the nation is still experiencing some of the highest levels of malnutrition ever documented.

Nearly half of all children under age five are experiencing moderate to severe stunting – impaired growth and development from poor nutrition – and the situation continues to worsen.

Moreover, there are 12.4 million individuals who do not have adequate access to clean drinking water, thus increasing their susceptibility to contracting diseases. In addition, more than 4.5 million children of school age are not enrolled in school.

Around 4.5 million individuals in Yemen are currently displaced, with a third of them being forced to move multiple times.

Ta’iz is the location of a humanitarian center.

In connection to this, the IOM has set up a center in the Ta’iz governorate in southern Yemen to improve the availability of essential assistance and aid for at-risk populations.

The area is dealing with major obstacles, such as a shortage of water, failing healthcare systems, and restricted availability of aid.

For over three years, IOM has been offering essential aid to displaced populations in that area, reaching approximately 10,000 individuals in 13 different locations.

The hub will serve as a safe and functional central location for humanitarian partners, aiding in the response to pressing issues in Ta’iz. This will also enable IOM to increase its assistance and assist in the recovery and reconstruction efforts of communities.

The organization’s tasks involve coordinating and managing camps, maintaining sites, and implementing methods for receiving input from the community.

The IOM has implemented programs for women’s empowerment at eight locations that it oversees. These programs involve on-the-job training and literacy activities, and have engaged 200 women. Additionally, sports programs have been offered to 170 young individuals at the same eight locations.

Additional endeavors consist of continued initiatives to decrease flooding and improve infrastructure at 12 locations, as well as projects to rehabilitate schools and foster peaceful coexistence between displaced and hosting communities.

Source: news.un.org