OVERVIEW OF THE CRISIS
Escalating conflict has severely exacerbated Yemen’s pre-existing humanitarian crisis. Partners now estimate that 21.2 million people need some kind of humanitarian assistance. However, the severity of needs varies greatly, as outlined in the 2016 Humanitarian Needs Overview.
Casualties and displacement
The conduct of the conflict has been brutal and has exacted a severe toll on civilians. As of late January 2016, health facilities had reported more than 35,000 casualties, including more than 6,100 deaths, since mid-March – an average of 113 casualties per day. Many casualties are believed to be civilians, and partners estimate that eight children are being killed or maimed every day. Casualty estimates understate true figures, as they rely on health facility data, and many people face extreme difficulty in accessing health facilities. Conflict is also driving people from their homes at alarming rates. Partners estimate that 2.5 million people are currently displaced within Yemen, about half of whom are in Taizz, Amran, Hajjah, Sana’a and Abyan governorates. In addition, at least 171,000 people – mainly third-country nationals – have fled the country to Somalia, Djibouti and other locations. With no camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs), displacement has led to a dispersed population that is often difficult to identify or assess for vulnerability or specific needs. Many IDPs are living with host families, placing additional strain on scarce resources, or renting shelter, which becomes challenging as rental prices increase and displacement becomes protracted. Some IDPs are seeking shelter in public buildings – including 169 schools as of January 2016 – or in the open, although precise numbers are not available. Displacement and hosting IDPs are significant drivers of needs for food, water and other basic assistance – particularly shelter, healthcare, education and essential household items.
As return currently appears unlikely for most IDPs, the pressure on limited basic services will continue to lead to challenges for IDPs and host communities.