Yemen

After nine years of conflict and with truce conditions largely holding in 2023, hope remains that a peaceful settlement of the conflict is within reach. However, the needs in Yemen remain immense. As we enter 2024, 18.2 million people, over half the country's population, require humanitarian assistance and protection services.

Severe deterioration of economic conditions, extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, and the collapse of essential services are critical drivers of large-scale vulnerabilities and needs countrywide. 17.6 million people are facing food insecurity, and nearly half of all children under five suffer from moderate to severe stunting. 4.5 million people remain displaced, many of whom have experienced multiple displacements over several years.

In early 2024, Yemen finds itself at a crossroads. Recent regional conflict dynamics have introduced additional risks. The slight improvements in the humanitarian situation could easily be reversed if these risks are manifested and humanitarian assistance is further curtailed.

Humanitarian needs will remain high for years to come. The most significant risks to communities in 2024 are conflict and violence, floods, water scarcity and drought, disease outbreaks, and continued economic deterioration. Yemen, additionally, continues to face a complex protection crisis driving humanitarian needs. The effects of the prolonged crisis persist in areas of reduced hostilities.

To build on the existing opportunities and mitigate mounting risks, the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan reflects a strengthened, more targeted, further prioritized, risk-informed, and bottom-up approach to programming in Yemen. In 2024, humanitarians plan to provide humanitarian assistance and protection services to 11.2 million people, requiring US$2.7 billion.

Humanitarians aim to enhance local prioritization and accountability. Integrated, multi-sectoral responses will comprehensively address needs and strengthen protection mechanisms against risks, including climate change and explosive remnants of war. The Humanitarian Response Plan further emphasizes collaboration with development partners to support livelihoods, essential services, and economic conditions for long-term solutions.