Yemen crisis

The situation

Months of political unrest have left the country in a state of paralysis, and sparking a fuel crisis which has brought the economy on the brink of collapse. Rising hunger levels have left many families close to breaking point, and according to the UN, some vulnerable communities are now facing critical levels of malnutrition.

In the north, nearly 350,000 people remain displaced by conflict which erupted between government forces and tribal groups in August 2009. Meanwhile, in the south, tens of thousands of people have fled their homes due to fighting in Abyan.

While some reconstruction is being undertaken in Sa'ada, hundreds of thousands remain displaced and out of reach. Although 15% of displaced people have returned home, many are prevented due to ongoing insecurity.

Oxfam's response

Oxfam has been responding to the needs of thousands of displaced people temporarily living in schools and camps in Aden. We continue to deliver water, sanitation and hygiene services to up to 60,000 people living in camps and host communities in the north.

Meanwhile in Amran and Sa’ada where it’s difficult to access, we’re working through partners to provide water and sanitation facilities.

We are helping hundreds of families who have returned to their homes to rebuild their livelihoods by providing people with goats and animal fodder. We are also equipping over 300 people with basic entrepreneurial skills so that they can begin new lives.

I've always believed that education and training are the best ways to ensure income and a decent life.

Ahmed received carpentry training from Oxfam in Al Mazraq camp

Blog: Getting back to work in northern Yemen

In Hodeida, we are preparing to give cash transfers to up to 100,000 people who are suffering from hunger so they can access food and help reduce malnutrition levels.

Alongside this, we have plans in place to support the needs of up to 100,000 people, should the current political situation deteriorate further, leaving vulnerable people without the means to meet their basic needs.

Yemen: Fragile lives in hungry times

Update: 14 December 2011