The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is a catastrophic consequence of ongoing conflict and foreign intervention, leaving millions in desperate need of aid. Since the civil war erupted in 2014 and intensified with the Saudi-led intervention in 2015, over 377,000 people have died due to the conflict. The situation is particularly dire for children, with over 600,000 under five suffering from acute malnutrition, including 120,000 with severe malnutrition.
The humanitarian crisis in Yemen
Yemen’s economic difficulties can be traced back to its colonial past, a history of civil conflict, and significant foreign interference. Despite some economic improvements since the 1970s, the country remains one of the world’s poorest and least developed (Wenner & Burrowes, 2024). This challenging backdrop has unfortunately set the stage for child rights violations such as lack of education, inadequate protection in conflict zones, and poverty.
Since the civil war erupted in 2014, Yemen has been engulfed in a severe humanitarian crisis, with the government’s collapse plunging the country into chaos. The situation deteriorated further with the Saudi-led military intervention that began in 2015. This prolonged conflict has led to what the United Nations described in March 2023 as “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis,” with about 21.6 million people who desperately need humanitarian aid and protection (Al Jazeera, 2024).
Children’s rights under siege: challenges in addressing malnutrition
The UN estimates that over 377,000 people have died due to the conflict, with the majority of deaths caused by hunger and lack of healthcare, particularly among women and children. Fuel shortages and severe restrictions on water, food, and medicine imposed by Saudi forces are used as tactics to secure a strategic advantage (Tanis, 2023), despite International Humanitarian Law, Rule 53, which prohibits the use of starvation of the civilian population as a method of warfare (ICRH, n.d.).
Despite the short-lived U.N.-mediated ceasefires over the years, the situation in Yemen remains catastrophic, exacerbated by a brutal Saudi-imposed blockade on Houthi-controlled areas, home to 70% of Yemen’s 30 million people. This eight-year blockade has choked off vital humanitarian aid, leaving millions without the resources they desperately need to survive (ReliefWeb, 2022).
Saudi Arabia’s restrictions on commercial and humanitarian goods have significantly worsened Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, putting 400,000 children at risk of malnutrition and pushing the country toward a historic famine (Bowman & El-Tayyab, 2021). However, in 2023, the Saudi-led coalition lifted long-standing import restrictions for Yemen’s southern ports, signaling a potential shift towards alleviating the crisis and advancing peace efforts. (Al Jazeera, 2023).
The scope of malnutrition across the country
The latest IPC Acute Malnutrition (IPC AMN) Analysis highlights a 34% increase in acute malnutrition, among children under five in Yemeni government-controlled areas over the past year. This rise, affecting over 600,000 children—120,000 of whom are severely malnourished—reflects the combined impact of disease outbreaks, severe food insecurity, limited access to clean water, and economic decline (UNICEF, 2024).
Severe acute malnutrition—the deadliest form of extreme hunger—claims the lives of young children in Yemen with alarming frequency. Mothers, often skipping meals or starving themselves to feed their children, have become dangerously malnourished. Over 16 million people in Yemen are now forced to skip meals nearly every day, left with no other choice (Save the Children, n.d.).
Positive efforts and progress in supporting Yemen’s children
Dedicated NGOs in Yemen continue to connect displaced individuals with life-saving services such as healthcare and camp management. They also distribute dignity kits and cash to those in need and organize awareness sessions and referrals for mental health and psychological well-being services. These organizations continuously assess and address the needs of displaced people, providing critical support (Chiriac, 2024).
Regrettably, the majority of foreign countries have significantly reduced their aid to Yemen. However, some nations have notably increased their contributions, including Canada, the Netherlands and France (Save the Children, 2023). Their enhanced support is crucial in these challenging times. It is imperative that other countries also extend their assistance to address the escalating needs and provide relief to those affected by this crisis.
Throughout the conflict, Sweden has also been a supporter of the people of Yemen through consistent contributions. In 2022, Sweden donated USD 2.1 million to NGOs in Yemen, ensuring the continued delivery of life-saving assistance and protection. Sweden has resettled 53 vulnerable refugees from Yemen, showing a commitment to sharing responsibility for those seeking asylum from other conflict zones (Bjuremalm, 2023).
Strategic actions for crisis alleviation
The U.S. and UAE have significantly impacted Yemen’s crisis through both their conflict involvement and aid efforts. However, their aid increases are minimal compared to the billions in weapons sold to Saudi Arabia. Washington must boost its support for international organizations to provide critical aid—food, water, and medical supplies—that Yemen desperately needs. With imports essential for feeding Yemenis disrupted by the war, underfunded aid organizations are struggling to meet the need (Cohen & Allen, 2022).
Despite short periods of reduced violence, the situation remains complex. Achieving lasting peace is crucial for addressing the severe malnutrition crisis. Achieving a durable peace will be essential to rebuilding Yemen’s devastated social and economic systems and restoring basic services, which are critical for tackling the root causes of malnutrition (Kouachi, 2024).
To help Yemen overcome this crisis, the international community must continue to provide urgent and sustained support. This involves strengthening social protection systems, improving access to healthcare, ensuring food security, and enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure. A durable resolution is essential to rebuilding the resilience of the Yemeni people and reducing the devastating impact of malnutrition, especially on women and children (Kouachi, 2024).
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Written by Lidija Misic
Bibliography:
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