UNHCR: Displaced Yemenis Struggle Amidst Growing Needs in Prolonged Crisis

Yemen 

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has released a new update highlighting the ongoing challenges for internally displaced families across Yemen. With 4.5 million people displaced and 18.2 million in need of humanitarian aid, the scale of the crisis is immense. The update, covering the first half of 2024, draws on findings from over 47,000 families, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who have endured years of conflict.

The update reveals that 84% of the families surveyed are displaced, with many having been forced to flee multiple times due to persistent instability. These families, primarily from regions like Al Hudaydah, Taizz, and Hajjah, continue to make difficult choices as they navigate their uncertain futures.

A significant 85% of families reported that they are unable to meet their daily food needs, often resorting to less expensive or smaller meals. “One father from Al Hudaydah described how he’s been forced to ration food, making heartwrenching decisions to ensure his children have something to eat each day. This is the harsh reality for countless families across Yemen,” said Marin Kajdomcaj, UNHCR Representative in Yemen.

The update also highlights an often-overlooked crisis—civil documentation. Over 51% of families have at least one child without a birth certificate, and 70% have family members without national identity cards. These missing documents are not just pieces of paper; they are keys to accessing vital services, education, and rights. Without them, families face significant barriers to receiving assistance and accessing opportunities, compounding the challenges they already face.

Beyond food insecurity, the update underscores the urgent protection needs of these displaced communities. Nearly every family has at least one vulnerable member, including women and children at risk, or individuals with disabilities.

In response to these escalating needs, UNHCR is ramping up its cash assistance programs, which are the cornerstone of its support for the most vulnerable families. This includes multipurpose cash assistance to cover essential needs, emergency cash for immediate crises, cash for obtaining IDs, and cash for home rehabilitation. These programs provide families with the dignity of choice - flexibility to prioritize their most urgent needs while helping them regain stability.

UNHCR is also focusing on solutions, integrating essential services into community infrastructure to ensure long-term stability. These efforts include advancing longer-term shelter solutions, such as transitional shelter units and house rehabilitation, and upgrading host community facilities through quickimpact projects that improve living conditions and foster social cohesion between displaced families and host communities.

Despite the efforts to improve living conditions, a large majority of displaced families do not feel it is safe to return home. Concerns about instability, the lack of livelihood opportunities, and the dangers posed by landmines remain significant barriers to their return.

“The needs of these families are urgent and immense,” added Marin Kajdomcaj. “They are not just statistics; they are parents, children, and elders who deserve the chance to live with dignity and hope. The international community must continue to stand with them and provide the necessary support.”

UNHCR is calling for increased humanitarian assistance to ensure these families receive the help they need to survive and rebuild their lives. The need for sustained support has never been more critical.

For more information and to access the new update, please visit [Link to Report].

[FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:]

Mysa Khalaf Sana’a,

Yemen

+967 712225158

khalafm@unhcr.org