Yemen, already the poorest state in the Arabian Peninsula, is grappling with United Nations It has been called one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises during eight years of war that has divided the country and ruined the economy and infrastructure.
The conflict, which has killed thousands, pits a Saudi Arabia-led military coalition against the Iran-aligned Houthis, who run much of northern Yemen after ousting the internationally recognized government from the capital. , sana,
The Houthis have blamed shortages of basic goods in the import-dependent country on a coalition sea and air blockade on Houthi-held ports and Sanaa airport, eased under a UN-brokered truce deal that expired last year. still held.
The Houthis have faced criticism from humanitarian organizations for obstructing the aid movement, which has also raised concerns from donor states.
humanitarian aid
According to the United Nations, in 2023, around 21 million people, or two-thirds of Yemen’s population, will be in need of humanitarian assistance and protection.
world food program The WHO said in February that the number of people living in famine-like conditions had fallen from 161,000 to zero over the past year, but warned the gains could be reversed.
The UN humanitarian program needs $4.3 billion this year to reach the 17 million most vulnerable. Last month a UN official said only $1.16 billion had been pledged by beleaguered donors so far, the lowest amount for Yemen since 2017.
Underfunding has seen agencies back aid projects.
More than 14 million people are in dire need. An estimated 4.5 million people, including 2 million children, are displaced, most of whom have been forced to relocate multiple times.
economy
The conflict has destroyed Yemen’s economy and according to the United Nations, the national poverty rate was projected to be around 80% in 2022. Most public sector employees have not been paid on a consistent basis over the years.
Acute food insecurity in Yemen is driven by rising food prices and declining livelihoods and economic opportunities.
The competing monetary policies of the internationally recognized government based in the south and the Houthis have left the Yemeni Rial with differing exchange rates.
The expired ceasefire deal has offered relief, providing a year of relative peace and facilitating the flow of food, fuel and other commercial vessels into the main Hodeidah port.
Service
The war has destroyed infrastructure and services.
Millions of children lack access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services, and the country is vulnerable to outbreaks of diseases, including those that could be prevented by vaccination.
According to a UN report last year, only 54% of health facilities in the country were reported to be fully operational.