IOM Yemen: Dignity Through Adversity - Navigating Disability in Yemen’s Displacement Camps

Ma’rib, Yemen 

Since the onset of Yemen’s conflict, Ma’rib Governorate has become a haven for thousands displaced by violence and uncertainty. Over the past decade, waves of families have sought stability here, each arrival adding to the mounting challenges in an already strained environment.

Among them is Salem, a husband and father who fled his home in Al Hodeidah with his wife and children two years ago to escape the escalating conflict. Life had once been stable for Salem’s family. Each day, he rode his motorcycle to earn enough to provide for his family’s basic needs, grounded in a comforting routine.

Salem’s determination helped maintain a sense of normalcy for his family, but that resilience was tested when the conflict reached his doorstep. A missile strike near their modest home forced them to abandon everything they had worked for.

Now in the arid landscape of Al Khseef displacement site in Ma’rib, Salem and his family are hoping to rebuild their lives. Like countless others, they had to leave everything behind and the dream of a stable home never materialized. Salem never imagined he would ever have to build a shelter out of sticks and worn fabric.

A New Struggle

The hardships only deepened when Salem suffered a medical setback that changed everything. After a routine injection, he began losing control of his legs, and within a year, he was left paralyzed. Doctors recommended treatment abroad, but the costs were far beyond what Salem could afford.

“When my children fall sick, I’m afraid of them receiving injections,” Salem confides. “I don’t want them to end up like me.” 

With Salem unable to work, the family’s roles shifted dramatically. Hasna, his wife, took on the role of primary provider, stepping up for the family during this difficult time. She joined the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Protection team as a volunteer, providing much-needed stability for her family during this difficult time.

Amidst the chaos, Hasna tried to balance her work with caring for her husband. While visiting family in Al Hodeidah, Hasna would often call to check on Salem and the children. Then, one day, Salem received the devastating news that Hasna had passed away unexpectedly. 

“The sudden loss of my wife left me in despair; she was my only support.” – Salem, Displaced Father

Unseen Strength

As one of 4.5 million people with disabilities in Yemen, Salem faces constant challenges in accessing basic services, such as healthcare, water points, and latrines – most of which are shared and often inaccessible. The sandy terrain around the displacement site further complicates his mobility.

At just fourteen years old, Salem’s son had to take on responsibilities far beyond his years. To help support the family, he began working on a nearby farm during the onion harvest season and occasionally rented a motorcycle for a day’s labour, working long hours under the hot sun and holding onto whatever hope he could for his family.

Meanwhile, Shafika, Salem’s teenage daughter, had to step into her mother’s role. Her days, once meant for learning and play, are now filled with caring for her younger siblings. She manages the household as best she can, preparing meals with whatever little they have. She also looks after her father, helping him move around and staying attentive to his needs. 

“I feel happy caring for my father, but I also have a deep fear of losing him, just as we lost our mother.” – Shafika, Salem’s Daughter

Dignity for All

IOM has dedicated itself to meeting the essential needs of people with disabilities, recognizing the unique challenges they face. Through its Protection team, IOM provides cash assistance to help cover basic yet critical expenses like food, healthcare, and transportation, ensuring that these families can manage their daily lives with dignity. IOM also distributes dignity kits with essential hygiene items to meet practical needs while promoting respect and inclusion within the community.

For Salem and his children, IOM’s support has meant a step toward stability. By providing a transitional shelter, IOM has given them a secure space with privacy, protection from strong winds, and safety from stray animals, restoring a sense of peace amidst the uncertainty.

Additionally, IOM’s Camp Coordination and Camp Management workshop in Ma’rib has produced essential equipment to make daily life more comfortable and accessible for people with disabilities. In 2024 alone, more than 130 people received items like beds, accessible toilet sets, and specially designed wheelchairs, fostering independence and offering a renewed sense of freedom.

Fostering Inclusion

Marsani*, Project Assistant with IOM’s Protection team, has been dedicated to supporting people with disabilities for over six years. She believes that helping people with disabilities is deeply rewarding, allowing them to build confidence, gain independence and improve their quality of life. 

During her visits to displacement sites, Marsani focuses on helping people with disabilities find a place within their communities, providing mental health and psychological support along the way. To combat discrimination, IOM’s teams regularly conduct awareness-raising sessions that not only support individuals with disabilities but also benefit their families, building a foundation of empathy.

“Helping people with disabilities gives them a sense of strength and connection, knowing that someone genuinely cares about their well-being,” explains Marsani.

* Name has been changed for protection reasons

FootnotesThe support for people with disabilities has been made possible thanks to the support of USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), in the framework of IOM’s Protection activities in Yemen.

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