Millions at Risk of Famine as Yemen Crisis Enters Its Seventh Year

Now entering its seventh year, the ongoing conflict in Yemen is creating immense suffering, leaving some five million Yemenis at risk of famine.

According to the United Nations, an estimated 80% of the population in Yemen—24 million people—need some form of humanitarian assistance. More than half the population will go hungry this year.

Commenting on the anniversary of the conflict, Steve Claborne, Mercy Corps Country Director in Yemen says:

“This on-going crisis is man-made - it is the direct result of a brutal armed conflict that is causing immense suffering among millions of Yemeni people.

“As the conflict enters its seventh year, escalating conflict in Taiz is forcing Mercy Corps teams to pause distribution of essential food baskets to thousands of families while they wait out the clashes or find safer locations for delivery. 

“Every time the fighting escalates, our teams see a corresponding increase in human suffering and further displacement. The intense fighting across the country puts civilians at grave risk in their own homes, forcing thousands of families to flee. 

“Life in Yemen is a daily struggle to obtain the basics needed to survive - food, water, shelter, and health care. The war has crippled the economy leaving families without the means to purchase food. 

“The conflict is preventing urgently needed shipments of food and fuel from entering the country and making it nearly impossible for humanitarian aid agencies like Mercy Corps to deliver the assistance the Yemeni people so desperately need. Despite the risks to themselves and their families, our Yemeni team presses on to deliver assistance.

"To end the suffering, there must be a peaceful resolution to the conflict and dialogue must continue to end the violence, facilitate the delivery of lifesaving aid, and look toward recovery.  The international community must intensify its efforts to find a peaceful resolution and provide desperately needed financial assistance and humanitarian aid. 

“Action is needed now, we cannot wait another day to end this conflict."