UN, over 300,000 displaced due to fighting in western Yemen

Over 300,000 people have been forced to flee their homes as fighting in western Yemen escalated, almost all in the past two months. These are the new data released today by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Families struggle to find shelter and afford basic necessities, while access restrictions make it harder for humanitarian agencies to reach those in need.

“After years of conflict, families in Yemen are forced to flee once again, often with little more than the clothes on their backs,” said Abdusattor Esoev, IOM Chief of Mission in Yemen. "They urgently need shelter, food, clean water and healthcare. Without increased funding, thousands of families could be left without the help they desperately need," he added.

The fighting has also caused the prices of basic goods to soar. In the city of Taiz, the cost of essential goods has increased three to five times as fighting has isolated surrounding areas, making even basic foodstuffs unaffordable for many families. The IOM therefore calls on "all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and humanitarian workers and to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access, particularly in hard-to-reach areas of Taiz".

Since the beginning of October, more than 43,000 people have fled Al Madaribah Wa Al Aarah district in Lahj, the highest number recorded in the country. of Yemen. As displaced people in Taiz governorate continue to increase, many families are moving south to Aden, which is now home to more than 56,000 displaced people.