Yemen

12 June 2024

In April, the number of people recorded under Emergency (IPC Phase 4) or worse food and nutrition security has increased to 2.9 million compared to 2.5 million in January, with the majority in the Internationally Recognized Government (IRG) area. Between December 2023 and March 2024, food insecurity increased across Yemen because of a pause in food assistance in areas under the control of the de-facto authority (DFA) in the north of Yemen (also known as the Houthis), currency depreciation in IRG areas, and seasonal agricultural trends. In April, the Food Consumption Score showed improvement compared to March, partly thanks to social support provided during Ramadan. Nevertheless, the prevalence of inadequate food consumption during Ramadan in 2024 was significantly higher than the previous year, increasing by 34% in DFA-controlled areas and by 13% in IRG-controlled areas. (ACAPS 10/06/2024, WFP 03/06/2024, ACAPS 28/03/2024)

08 April 2024

On 8 April 2024, the Internationally Recognized Government of Yemen (IRG) requested intervention by international organisations in response to the proliferation of cholera cases in a number of governorates, with the current conflict further challenging the deteriorating health system. Between 16 October 2023 and 7 April 2024, 2,890 cases of suspected acute watery diarrhoea and cholera were reported in 12 IRG-controlled governorates. (Yemen Future 08/04/2024 a, Yemen Future 08/04/2024 b)

30 March 2024

The de-facto authority in the north of Yemen (also known as the Houthis) continues to defy warnings from the Central Bank of Yemen based in Aden by minting YER 100 coins, deepening the banking division and economic strife within the country. Despite the warnings, Houthi leaders have announced the minting, claiming compliance with international standards. Economic researchers anticipate illegal circulation, aggravating liquidity scarcity. The Central Bank of Yemen in Aden has condemned the move, vowing the protection of the national currency and citizens' savings. It has urged institutions against dealing with illegal currency. Economic observers fear further actions such as the possible minting of higher denominations. (Asharq Al-Awsat 30/03/2024)

06 March 2024

Yemen continues to face high food insecurity levels, with 17.6 million people (more than half the population) projected to experience severe food insecurity classified as Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse in 2024. This is mainly a result of the economic crisis and the armed violence that erupted in 2014 between the Internationally Recognized Government of Yemen and the de-facto authority in the north of Yemen (also known as the Houthis). As at February 2024, more than 52% of households lacked access to adequate food, an 11% increase from November 2023. Some of the key factors that contributed to this deterioration include the rise in shipping costs via the Red Sea and the pause since December 2023 in WFP food assistance to the 9.5 million people in areas under Houthi control. (WFP 29/02/2024, WFP 18/01/2024, OCHA 01/02/2024)

13 December 2023

Around 17 million people, more than half of the population in Yemen, are facing acute food insecurity and need food assistance in 2023. This figure includes around 2.2 million children and 1.3 million pregnant and breastfeeding women. Over six million of these people are estimated to be facing Emergency (IPC Phase 4) food insecurity levels. Hajjah and Al Jawf in northern Yemen and Ta’iz in southwest Yemen are the most food-insecure governorates in the country. Food insecurity is highest among rural and non-agricultural households. High food insecurity levels across the country mostly result from the economic crisis and armed violence generated by the conflict that erupted in 2014 between the Internationally Recognized Government that controls southern Yemen and the de-facto authority in the north of Yemen (also known as the Houthis). (FAO 03/12/2023, WFP 07/12/2023, OCHA 20/12/2022)

24 October 2023

Floods and strong winds have displaced an estimated 7,200 people in Al Maharah governorate since Tropical Storm Tej made landfall on 23 October 2023. Damage and destruction to houses have led to shelter and food losses. The loss of livestock and crops is highly likely. There is a need for adequate shelter, NFIs, food, health, and WASH services, as most of the affected people remain in makeshift and temporary shelters. The Yemeni Red Crescent has announced being unable to reach the affected population in Al-Ghaydhah district in Al Maharah. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are forecast over Socotra Island in eastern Yemen and in neighbouring Oman. (Oman Observer 24/10/2023, Yemen Future 23/10/2023, Al-Mahra Post 23/10/2023, ECHO 23/10/2023)

30 August 2023

Numerous reports by the UN, human rights groups, and INGOs have indicated the mass and deliberate killing of hundreds of Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers by Saudi border guards on the Yemen-Saudi Arabia border in the past year alone. The killings seem to be systematic, indiscriminate, and widespread, using snipers and explosives and shooting people at close range, including children and women. Yemen is a transit country on the East Africa migration route to Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Gulf region. In 2023, there has been an increase in the number of migrants and asylum seekers using this route. As at the end of July 2023, over 86,630 migrants arrived in Yemen. Presently, there are an estimated 750,000 Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers in Saudi Arabia. Migrants arriving in Yemen experience gender-based violence, trafficking, and humanitarian needs such as shelter, basic needs, and protection. (HRW 21/08/2023,
Mixed Migration Center 05/07/2023,
Migration Data Portal 21/02/2022)