7 years after the start of the conflict in Yemen, the humanitarian situation is worse than ever

Seven years of uninterrupted and systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure has caused death and injury, contributed to hunger and disease, and dramatically reduced the ability of the population to access essential services such as healthcare, clean water and electricity. Over two-thirds of the population are in need of humanitarian aid. The conflict in Yemen is a clear example of the long-term humanitarian consequences of using explosive weapons in populated areas.  States must support the strong international agreement against urban bombing that has its final round of negotiations in April 2022.   

Some figures about the conflict in Yemen: 

• 20.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance - that is 66% of the population  
• 13.5 million people are food insecure.  
• 15 million people struggle to access clean water   
• 4 million people have been forced from their homes.  

Around 377,000 people have died due to the conflict in Yemen, some being direct victims of the violence, and 60% dying of the indirect consequences of the conflict, such as lack of health services and clean water as health facilities and water supply systems have been largely destroyed by bombing and shelling; lack of food due to the destruction of roads making impossible to channelling goods, etc. It is estimated that if the war continues until 2030, 1.3 million people may have died, mostly from indirect consequences of the conflict 

Intensive use of explosive weapons in populated areas 

Over the past seven years, every form of explosive weaponry has been used in Yemen, including aerial bombs and missiles, artillery, mortars, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and many more. The vast majority of casualties as a result of explosive weapons remain to be civilians. 

At least 24 000 airstrikes occurred since March 2015.  More than 9,000 civilians were victims of airstrikes and shelling since the beginning of the conflict in March 2015. When explosive weapons are used in populated areas, 90% of the casualties are civilians. 

The threat of improvised explosive devices, landmines and unexploded ordnances 

Unacceptably large numbers of mine and bombing casualties continue to arrive at Humanity & Inclusion’s supported facilities across 6 governorates in the country (Aden, Sana’a, Hajjah, Tai’izz, Hodeidah, Lahj). Since the beginning of our intervention in December 2015, Humanity & Inclusion’s teams have treated and supported 3,500 casualties of explosive weapons, including landmines, shelling, improvised explosive devices and explosive remnants of war. 

Humanity & Inclusion’s impact in Yemen since December 2015 

• Offered rehabilitation sessions and instruction to 42,500 people  
• Provided psychosocial support and counselling sessions to 29,800 people 
• Equipped people with 43,200 mobility aids, including crutches and wheelchairs 
• Fitted 660 people with artificial limbs and braces 
• Distributed 2900 hygiene kits 
• Trained 820 medical staff in rehabilitation 
• Offered financial support to nearly 700 households