Yemen is facing a severe humanitarian crisis as a result of ongoing conflict and economic collapse has left many kitchens without enough food. The crisis has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has further disrupted essential services and exacerbated already dire living conditions for many Yemenis. An estimated 77 per cent of the 4.3 million people displaced in Yemen are women and children, while approximately 26 per cent of displaced households are now led by women (compared to 9 per cent before the escalation of the conflict in 2015).
The conflict in Yemen began in 2015 when Houthi rebels, who are primarily from the Zaidi Shia minority group, took control of the capital city of Sana’a and forced the internationally recognized government of President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi to flee. The conflict has since escalated into a full-scale civil war, with the Houthis fighting against the Hadi government and a coalition of Arab states led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The conflict has had devastating consequences for the civilian population, with widespread reports of human rights abuses and violations of international law. Thousands of people have been killed, and millions have been displaced from their homes. Many of those who have been displaced are living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, making them more vulnerable to disease outbreaks.
The conflict has also had a severe impact on the economy, with the destruction of infrastructure, the collapse of the currency, and the disruption of trade and agriculture. This has led to widespread food insecurity in Yemen’s kitchen’s across the country and malnutrition, with millions of people dependent on humanitarian aid to survive.
One of the most pressing issues facing Yemen is the humanitarian situation in the northwest of the country, where the Houthis hold a significant presence. This area has been the site of some of the most intense fighting and has been heavily targeted by the Saudi-led coalition. As a result, civilians have been displaced, and infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. Many people have been forced to flee their homes and kitchens in Yemen, and those who remain are often unable to access basic services such as clean water, healthcare, and education.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The country has a weak healthcare system, which has been further weakened by the conflict and economic collapse. This has made it difficult for the government to respond effectively to the pandemic, and cases of COVID-19 have been on the rise. The pandemic has also had a severe impact on the economy, with many people losing their jobs and businesses struggling to survive.
In addition to the conflict and the pandemic, Yemen is also facing several other challenges, including a cholera outbreak and a famine that has been described as the worst in 100 years. The famine is a result of the conflict and economic collapse, as well as restrictions on imports and access to food. Many people are unable to afford to buy food, and those who can find food often have to pay exorbitant prices.
The international community has responded to the crisis in Yemen by providing humanitarian aid. In the first ten months of 2022, 200 humanitarian organizations continued to deliver aid to an average of 10.7 million people per month. However, the situation remains dire.
