The humanitarian crisis in Yemen has reached catastrophic proportions, with the World Food Programme (WFP) warning that 14 million people – nearly half of the population – are on the brink of famine. As the conflict enters its seventh year, the country’s infrastructure is crumbling, leaving millions without access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare.
The humanitarian situation in Yemen is spiraling out of control, with reports of widespread hunger, disease, and violence fueling a sense of desperation among the population. The United Nations estimates that over 24 million people – nearly 80% of the population – require some form of humanitarian assistance, ranging from food and shelter to medical care and protection.
The roots of this crisis can be traced back to the 2015 conflict, which began as a civil war between the Houthi rebels and the government-backed forces of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. The conflict has since drawn in regional powers like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with the international community accusing these countries of exacerbating the humanitarian crisis through their military campaign.
As a result, Yemen’s economy has been all but destroyed, leaving millions without access to basic services like electricity, water, or healthcare. The country’s infrastructure is crumbling, with entire cities reduced to rubble and roads impassable due to the destruction caused by airstrikes and artillery bombardments.
The humanitarian consequences of this conflict are stark. According to UN estimates, over 10 million people in Yemen suffer from severe malnutrition, with cases of starvation and dehydration on the rise. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant increase in cholera cases, as well as outbreaks of other diseases like diphtheria and typhoid fever.
In addition to the humanitarian crisis, the conflict in Yemen has had far-reaching regional implications. The country’s strategic location on the Arabian Peninsula has made it a prized possession for major powers, with Saudi Arabia and Iran engaging in a proxy war that has drawn in countries from across the Middle East.
The international community has been slow to respond to this crisis, with many calling for increased funding and intervention to support humanitarian efforts. The United States, for example, has provided billions of dollars in aid to Yemen, but critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the conflict.
With millions at risk of starvation, disease, and violence, the international community must take action to prevent a full-blown disaster. This requires a coordinated effort from governments, humanitarian organizations, and local leaders to provide emergency assistance, support peace negotiations, and work towards a lasting resolution to the conflict. Anything less would be a dereliction of responsibility, and a failure to act would only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
