Home » Countries » Humanitarian Sectors» Preparedness & Mitigation » Annual Reports » Resources » How Can I Help » USG Partners » Directory »
	OFDA Country Page Reports and Maps Historical OFDA Assistance (16kb PDF) EMCA Humanitarian Assistance in Review (307kb PDF)
	USAID Country Page State Department Country Page
	Advanced search... Search USAID Personnel... Search USAID Documents...

Most Recent Disaster Declaration:
Complex Emergency 10-20-2011

Since 2004 and continuing into 2011, conflict between Republic of Yemen Government (RoYG) forces and al-Houthi opposition groups has affected more than 1 million people and caused repeated population displacement, resulting in the need for humanitarian assistance throughout northern Yemen. As of September 2011, more than 300,000 individuals remained displaced by the conflict in northern Yemen’s Al Jawf, Amran, Hajjah, and Sa’ada governorates, according to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

In early February 2011, protests demanding the resignation of President Ali Abdullah Saleh erupted across the country, resulting in escalating clashes among RoYG security forces, pro-Saleh demonstrators, and opposition demonstrators. The fighting has destabilized the economy, limited the RoYG’s capacity to provide basic services, and contributed to increased humanitarian needs among vulnerable populations. In addition, starting in May 2011, clashes between RoYG forces and militant groups in southern Yemen have resulted in the displacement of approximately 96,000 people, according to UNHCR.

In total, approximately 400,000 people remained internally displaced in Yemen as of September. Prolonged insecurity and restricted humanitarian access in northern, central, and southern Yemen have had a significant negative impact on the country’s economy. Humanitarian needs have also been exacerbated by rising food and fuel prices.

On October 20, 2011, U.S. Ambassador Gerald M. Feierstein redeclared a disaster due to continued humanitarian needs resulting from conflict and associated displacement in Yemen. During FY 2011, USAID/OFDA continued to meet the needs of vulnerable populations throughout Yemen by supporting the distribution of relief commodities, as well as activities in agriculture and food security, economic recovery and market systems, health, humanitarian coordination and information management, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

In August and September 2009, renewed fighting between RoYG forces and al-Houthi opposition groups displaced approximately 50,000 people in northern Yemen, bringing the total displaced population in the country to as many as 150,000 individuals, according to U.N. agencies. Prior to August 2009, humanitarian agencies and the RoYG were assisting 95,000 individuals displaced by previous rounds of fighting in the five-year conflict. However, as hostilities escalated in August 2009, access to some affected populations diminished, primarily in Sa'ada and Amran governorates, raising concerns about deteriorating humanitarian conditions. On September 1, the U.N. issued a four-month flash appeal requesting nearly $24 million in assistance for internally displaced persons and other vulnerable populations. The appeal prioritizes food, health, nutrition, and WASH, as well as shelter assistance and emergency relief supplies.

On September 8, U.S. Ambassador Stephen A. Seche declared a disaster due to the conflict and resulting humanitarian needs. In response, USAID/OFDA approved $250,000 to support humanitarian WASH activities outlined in the U.N. flash appeal.

For information on additional USAID disaster responses, please see OFDA Annual Reports.

Back to Top ^