Internally displaced families in Yemen need increased aid: UNHCR

The update highlights information from the first half of 2024 and reveals that 4.5 million people are displaced and 18.2 million overall require humanitarian aid.

The refugee agency based its update on 47,000 families who have already "endured years of conflict."

Critical challenges

Of the families surveyed, 84 per cent were documented as displaced, mainly from the Al Hudaydah, Taizz and Hajjah regions. It was noted that these families are often on the move due to "persistent instability."

The internationally recognized Yemeni Government has been battling Houthi rebels for control of the country for more than a decade, with the fighting fuelled by international supporters on both sides.

Tens of thousands have been killed and although a now-lapsed UN-brokered truce has largely prevailed, peace talks aimed at a long-term solution have yielded little progress.

The UNHCR update further reported about 85 per cent of the families battle with food security issues, hardly meeting their daily food needs.

UNHCR Representative in Yemen, Marin Kajdomcaj, said one father he met in Hudaydah explained that he often has to ration meals to ensure his children can eat every day.

"This is the harsh reality for countless families across Yemen," Mr. Kajdomcaj said.

Additionally, the update from the refugee agency said that every family has at least one vulnerable member or individual with a disability, increasing the need for protection in displaced communities.

Civil documentation

Another critical challenge these families currently face deals with civil documentation - an often overlooked crisis, according to UNHCR.

The update mentioned that just over half of the surveyed families have at least one child who does not have a birth certificate and over 70 per cent have family members who lack a national identity card.

This poses an issue since without these documents, there is limited access to key services, education and other rights, UNHCR said.

"Without them, families face significant barriers to receiving assistance and accessing opportunities, compounding the challenges they already face," the update noted.

The refugee agency is increasing cash assistance programmes in Yemen that will help civilians obtain ID's. This cash can also be used to cover essential needs.

UNHCR's efforts

UNHCR aims to ensure long-term stability for the displaced families in Yemen through "integrating essential services into community infrastructure."

This includes providing long-term shelter solutions including transitional shelter units, house rehabilitation and improving living conditions in host community facilities.

Yet, many families have reported they do not feel safe returning home, due to concerns about instability and lack of livelihood opportunities amidst other challenges.

UNHCR's Yemen representative, Mr. Kajdomcaj insisted that these families' needs are "urgent and immense."

"They are not just statistics; they are parents, children, and elders who deserve the chance to live with dignity and hope," he said.

The refugee agency calls for increased humanitarian aid focusing on helping families survive and rebuild their lives.

"The international community must continue to stand with them and provide the necessary support," Mr. Kajdomcaj said.