Today's Edition
AHMED MURAD (ADEN, CAIRO)
Winter poses a new challenge for millions of Yemenis across various governorates, particularly in displacement camps, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis caused by military attacks by the Houthi group. This crisis is compounded by a severe economic downturn, deteriorating living conditions, and a lack of basic services.
The United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs in Yemen has warned of the grave risks posed by winter to nearly one million Yemenis in 68 areas across 12 governorates. Most of these people are displaced, with the Marib governorate facing the highest risk due to its large number of displacement camps.
Mahmoud Al Taher, a Yemeni political analyst, explained that the military operations by the Houthi group since their coup on September 21, 2014, have led to a severe internal displacement crisis.
Millions of Yemenis now endure extremely challenging humanitarian conditions. He noted that winter, bringing harsh cold and freezing temperatures in December and February, further intensifies their plight.
According to UN reports, Yemen is the fourth country globally with the largest number of internally displaced people, estimated at approximately 4 million. Most of these individuals urgently require humanitarian aid.
Al Taher, speaking to Aletihad, stated that most displacement camps lack the simplest elements of a decent life, making winter extremely difficult for residents who suffer from an almost complete lack of basic materials and necessities and resort to primitive heating methods.
He urged international and UN organisations to act swiftly to provide displaced families in the camps with necessary supplies and needs, helping alleviate their hardships amid Yemen’s acute humanitarian crisis, considered one of the largest globally.
International and UN estimates indicate that about 12.6 million Yemenis need humanitarian assistance, with approximately 80% of the population struggling to access food, water, and health services.
Aida Bin Lasem, another Yemeni political analyst, emphasised that the internal displacement crisis is a stark manifestation of Yemen’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, aggravated by the military operations of the Houthi group against civilians.
With the arrival of winter, the situation of the displaced worsens significantly, as they endure severe suffering in the cold weather.
UN data revealed that women and children constitute about 80% of the internally displaced, most of whom reside in camps and shelter centres in various areas. These camps lack basic services and living essentials, such as food, water, and heating.
During a conversation with Aletihad, Bin Lasem appealed to international community organisations to pressure the Houthi group to cease their practices, which led to the displacement of millions of Yemenis and forced them to flee to other regions.
The expert also emphasised the urgent need for international intervention in alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
