Yemen crisis

Many families seek refuge in neighbouring countries, like Djibouti and Somalia. But conditions in the surrounding region are so poor that many others stay within Yemen – despite the conflict and risk.

Yemen has always been one of the poorest countries in the Middle East. But the impact of war and currency collapse have brought the country to its knees and pushed millions of families to the brink of starvation.

With rampant inflation and few livelihood opportunities, families can no longer afford basic meals. To put food on the table, many displaced families are selling off belongings, pulling children out of school and sending them to work, begging on the streets, or eating just once a day.

Sharp increases in global food and fuel prices have produced dire consequences for Yemenis. In Yemen, the price hikes are a direct threat to the lives of families displaced during more than nine years of conflict. While the recent truce opened a window to deliver more humanitarian aid, pressures on the fragile economy are getting worse. Yemen imports 90% of its food, with over 30% of its wheat coming from Ukraine. Displaced families are going hungry and face a daily battle to survive, and now the war in Ukraine could see already high prices rise further – making even basics like bread unaffordable to many.

We have teams on the ground across Yemen, reaching vulnerable families in all 20 governorates affected by the conflict. We are helping displaced Yemenis as well as refugees who flee into Yemen to escape neighbouring conflicts.