The Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen
Children and young people who suffer most
A forgotten war
The current humanitarian crisis in Yemen is sad and frightening. Even more frightening, however, is how many people in Western countries have not even heard of it. Yemen has long been one of the poorest Arab countries. Today, it is the scene of the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. It is the worst crisis in over 100 years. The conflict causing the situation is very complex and has been going on for many years.
Religious and political disagreements have continuously been causing clashes and uprisings between different groups. The so-called Arab Spring gave hope for improvement in 2011. Men, as well as women and young people, took part in protests and campaigned for change in their country. Unfortunately, new elections never took place despite being announced after the president’s resignation.
Instead, rebels captured the capital Sanaa in 2014. The situation ultimately escalated in 2015. Since then, there has been a continuous war for power in Yemen. This war is between Shiite rebels and a military alliance led by Saudi Arabia, which supports the interim president and the military that has been in office since 2012.
The people of Yemen have been suffering under this situation for so long that the consequences are severe.
Millions of children need help
According to the United Nations, the conflicts in Yemen have put the country at the highest emergency level, Level 3. This means the local population is fighting for survival day after day in unacceptable circumstances. The war has led to an economic collapse, blockades of ports, fuel shortages, and a huge increase in prices. As a result, provisions for the population have not been reliable for years now.
So many countless bystanders who would simply like a normal life and security for their families are suffering from the fighting.
Over 24 million people in Yemen, half of them children, need help and support. Instead of growing up feeling protected and able to dream of a dazzling future, day after day they simply struggle to survive. One of the most serious problems is the prevailing famine.