Humanitarian response in Yemen

Yemen has one of the world’s most difficult humanitarian crisis. The civil war has been on-going for eight long years. Since the outbreak of the war, six million children have been born in Yemen. They know nothing but war. Severe malnutrition among children under five is more common in Yemen than anywhere else in the world.

The protracted humanitarian crisis is also fuelled by a collapsed economy and weak public services. More than 23 million Yemenis are in need of assistance, 12.9 million of whom are in need of life-saving assistance.

Severe malnutrition among children under five is more common in Yemen than anywhere else in the world.

Despite a six-month ceasefire in Yemen in 2022, the humanitarian crisis continues and the need for child protection in particular has increased. 17 million people live without knowing their next meal and 6 million of them are on the verge of severe hunger.

It is almost impossible for Yemenis to make ends meet. Crops have been lost and infrastructure destroyed. As a result, the majority of Yemenis are unable to meet their basic needs. The most vulnerable groups, such as women, children, internally displaced persons and people with disabilities, experience psychological distress. They do not have sufficient means to cope with the burden of everyday life.

Society’s services have collapsed, and people are forced to seek safety and survival through life-threatening means. UNICEF and UNFPA report that there are already four million children forced into marriage in Yemen.

Food aid and trauma recovery

Fida continues its fourth year of humanitarian aid in Yemen in partnership with a local NGO. The project aims to improve food security for the people and to address the need for child protection in particular.

• The project will distribute essential food items to 1 800 households.
• Psychosocial support will improve the well-being of more than 800 adults and children. Support groups will be set up for families and a recovery programme will be offered to children.
• Teachers will also be trained to deal with trauma in children.

The project in Yemen is funded by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The funding is €1.42 million for the period 2023-2024.