Yemen: Displaced Families Struggle to Rebuild Amid Crisis

Yemen continues to grapple with one of the world’s most dire humanitarian crises. Currently, about 14% of the population—4.5 million individuals—have been displaced (Yemen) from their homes; most have had multiple displacements that further increase their vulnerability. Internally displaced persons (IDP) residing in overpopulated camps with no amenities such as shelter, clean water, and sanitation put millions in dire living conditions. The situation is quite stressful, with 6.7 million individuals, including displaced families in Yemen, requiring shelter and other essential nonfood items (NPI), of which 40 percent are IDPs and 60 percent are returnees and host communities.

A Crisis of Repeated Displacement

For those who are compelled to displace, returning home is not even feasible since there has been complete destruction of their shelters and infrastructure. More than 69% of IDPs also share congested shelter spaces with less than sufficient space, no privacy, and no security. A total of over 314,000 individuals were displaced during 2023 alone, out of which 76% have been affected by floods and cyclones. Their condition has not been improved at all by global warming, whose freezing winter and sweltering summer seasons aggravated their living conditions.

Of the displaced, 85% of IDPs cannot afford to pay rent, making them vulnerable to eviction. In addition, 86% of spontaneous IDP settlements are characterized by land and housing disputes, contributing to instability for the displaced. Women, children, the elderly, and the disabled are most affected by these situations, frequently without protection and access to basic services.

Urgent Need for Humanitarian Assistance

The destruction extends to displacement. 88% of return homes are destroyed partially or completely, making safe return impossible in the case of the majority of families. Approximately 77% of returnees live in insecure conditions, without safe accommodation or minimal facilities. This crisis is further exacerbated by climate extremes—10% of the affected must survive severe winter conditions and another 7% extreme summer heat, making survival even more difficult.

Humanitarian Support for Displaced Families in Yemen

Acted, supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)—Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), has acted to provide lifesaving support to displaced families in Yemen. In Al Dhalee governorate, Acted has been instrumental in providing Emergency Shelter Kits (EESKs), Transitional Shelter Kits (TSKs), and NFIs to support displaced families who are struggling.

Providing Safe Shelters in Al Dhalee

During January to August 2024, Acted provided 220 EESKs to three IDP camps in Al Dhalee governorate, directly reaching 1,273 individuals. The kits included basic items such as plastic sheeting, wooden plates, and tarpaulin, giving direct relief to people staying in insecure situations.

Displaced father Ahmed Hassan has this to say:

“My family had been living in a small, makeshift home that did not protect us from rain, cold, or heat. The new home that we received totally changed our lives—now we have privacy and security, and our lives are much better.”

Similarly, Ibrahim, another of the displaced individuals, explained how adverse weather conditions had worsened his family’s plight.

“Before, we did not have a place to sleep and had to rely on our family members. Rain wetted our bedding, and the winds were strong enough to make our nights unbearable. Now, through the assistance of EESK kits, we have a place to sleep in safety with dignity.”

Transitional Shelters in Conflict Zones

In April and May 2024, 102 TSKs were distributed to 620 individuals in five sites, among them the Habeel Al-Dawhagah Camp, which is one of the most challenging IDP settings. The camp, located near the front lines, has displaced  families living in very challenging conditions.

Shafiq, a seven-time father, described his previous challenges:

“We lived in a temporary shelter that barely protected us from severe weather. We filled the holes with blankets, but it was never enough. Sun and rain collapsed our shelter overnight.”

With the intervention of Acted, Shafiq today has a safe house for his family; as  he says,

“The new transitional shelter gives us security, privacy, and stability. My children are sleeping well now, and I can go to work with my family being safe.”

NFI Distribution: Aid for Displaced Families in Yemen

To reinforce their shelter program, Acted also provided 450 vital NFI kits to close to 3,000 people in 20 locations in Al Dhalee and Qatabah districts. The kits contained bedding, cooking equipment, and other essentials, enabling families to regain some sense of normalcy.

Fatima, a 39-year-old mother, remembered how hard life was prior to receiving NFIs:

“We used to be sleeping on ripped mattresses, with skimpy blankets that were not able to warm us. I was not able to purchase simple items for my children. The NFI assistance made all the difference—now we have good bedding, kitchen utensils, and an improved standard of living.”

The Road Ahead: Rebuilding Lives with Dignity

While humanitarian aid has been life-saving relief, Yemeni displaced families have yet to go a long way towards recovery. Long-term solutions, additional funding, and continuous support will be needed if the affected population is to get its stability and dignity restored. Acted’s action in this direction is appropriate because it is extending hope to thousands of vulnerable people. Continuing outside intervention and efforts by the locals, though, must be implemented in a way that will enable Yemeni displaced families to begin anew in safety and with dignity.

Conclusion

Approximately 16 million people in Yemen lack access to safe water sources, with rural areas being the most affected. The country’s economy is in ruins, food prices are rising, and essential services such as healthcare and education are collapsing. Many individuals have lost their jobs and can no longer afford basic necessities.

These crises need to be addressed by the international community as a whole. The displaced families in Yemen have endured unimaginably, yet their spirit remains unbroken. By donating to humanitarian organizations and advocating for sustainable solutions, we can restore the lives of the impacted and give hope to a nation in distress.