Sana’a - The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the European Union (EU), has served over 300,000 people who have been severely affected by over eight years of conflict through various humanitarian aid programmes since mid-2021. 

Millions of Yemenis have fled their homes, settling in other areas in the country that lack basic resources to meet their needs. According to the UN's 2023 Humanitarian Needs Overview, nearly 21.6 million Yemenis rely on humanitarian aid as the country's economy struggles and public services are strained. 

“At a time when funding for the humanitarian response in Yemen is on the decline, the solidarity shown by the European Union has brought newfound hope to communities who lost everything to the crisis,” said Matt Huber, IOM Yemen’s Acting Chief of Mission. 

“After more than 8 years of conflict and with staggering humanitarian needs across the country, the EU and IOM will continue their outstanding work and spare no efforts to improve the lives of vulnerable displaced people in Yemen,” said Heather Blackwell, Head of EU humanitarian aid operations in Yemen. “Yemenis need humanitarian and development aid more than ever.” 

In Ma'rib, Ta'iz, and Al Hodeidah governorates, thousands of displaced people live in dire conditions. IOM’s Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) teams reached over 178,000 individuals hosted across 66 displacement sites in these areas through site management and coordination activities – including site care and maintenance, coordination of essential services, information sharing and capacity building. 

The EU-supported project also reduced barriers to education for displaced children – many of whom were deprived of the opportunity to go to school due to the conflict. More than 20,000 children now have access to safe and conducive learning spaces after IOM constructed or rehabilitated 17 new learning spaces across Ma'rib and distributed school supplies.  

These children have been given greater opportunities, enabling them to pursue their dreams and learn the skills necessary to achieve their full potential.  

IOM also provided cash for shelter assistance to more than 16,000 households living in protracted displacement. The cash helped them fix and upgrade their shelters themselves and purchase other essential items to meet their specific needs. For newly displaced people, IOM also provided rapid cash assistance to over 100,000 people through its Rapid Response Mechanism. 

The conflict has crippled water infrastructure, affecting 15.3 million people in Yemen who lack access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services. Now, thanks to the support of the EU, more than 96,000 people have access to new latrines, clean drinking water and newly constructed water supply systems.  

In addition, efforts to raise awareness among displaced people about COVID-19 and cholera, menstrual hygiene, handwashing, latrines, solid waste management and acute watery diarrhoea have helped thousands of displaced people stay healthy.   

“IOM’s ongoing partnership with the European Union has allowed our teams to serve people who would otherwise go without the most basics. We hope our shared commitment to reach the most vulnerable continues in the years to come,” added Huber.  

For more information, please contact IOM Yemen’s Communications Team at iomyemenmediacomm@iom.int