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.

WASH – Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services

We have a WASH, project with an association of aid organizations to which we belong. The WA in WASH stands for water supply, the S and the H for other important aspects that are essential to combat the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, namely sanitation and hygiene. This not only gives Yemenis back a more comfortable standard of living and a measure of human dignity, but also prevents the further spread of epidemics.

We also want to improve the health situation for pregnant women and young mothers, advising them on nutrition, vaccinations, etc.. Only in this way can there be hope that their babies will one day have a better life. This is what we and our local partner organizations are fighting for every day.

Humanitarian crisis in Yemen - We help women

How you can help the people in Yemen

Ultimately, one of the biggest and most tragic aspects of the situation in Yemen is how it continues to get lost in the West among other news from around the world. Many people’ willingness to help cannot be realized if the humanitarian crisis completely bypasses them. We need your support to be able to give the people in Yemen a better life and the support they need and deserve.

Naturally, we hope with all our hearts that the war will end soon and that there will be reconciliation. But until then, our role as an aid organization that is perceived as a neutral helper on the ground is all the more important.

Yemen is heavily dependent on humanitarian aid at the moment and will probably be for some time to come. Providing this aid is a matter close to our hearts which relies on your compassion and help.