Yemen
Help through War and Hunger
Situation report
War has been raging in Yemen for almost ten years now. Since its start, the country’s humanitarian needs have constantly escalated. Yemen topped the UN’s list of the world’s worst humanitarian crises for several years in a row. With repeated ceasefires and peace talks in recent years, some hope of an end to the fighting reemerged. Nevertheless, the humanitarian situation has not yet improved. The renewed Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the subsequent attacks on international merchant ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden have made it clear that a lasting peace is not yet possible.
Simultaneously, the majority of the Yemeni population is suffering from hunger and is longing for peace. According to UN figures, 18.2 million people, or more than half of the population, are dependent on external aid. Many of those in need are internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have fled from the fighting several times and try to protect themselves from wind, rain and heat in makeshift shelters. The most affected are vulnerable groups such as children, women, those with illnesses, the elderly and members of minorities. A great desire characterizes the inhabitants: the desire for survival and peace.
Meanwhile, the majority of the Yemeni population is suffering from hunger and longs for peace. According to UN figures, 18.2 million people, or more than half of the population, are dependent on external aid. Many of those in need are internally displaced people who have fled multiple battles and are trying to protect themselves from the wind, rain and heat in makeshift shelters. The worst affected are vulnerable groups such as children, women, the sick, the elderly and members of minorities. The inhabitants are driven by a great longing: the longing for survival and peace.
Project Implementation
On the long road to peace, Anugerah, together with its local partners, continued to help many people in need in several regions in 2023. This was done in different ways, as the need does not affect everyone in the same way. It is Anugerah’s concern to help those who are most severely affected to lead a life in dignity. This is why Anugerah is committed to the well-being of IDPs, widows, orphans, the elderly, children and infants, the disabled and chronically ill, as well as members of marginalized minorities such as the Achdam/Muhammashun. Anugerah provided food parcels, emergency medical aid, drinking water supplies and educational aid for schoolchildren, students, teachers and parents. In total, Anugerah was able to help 70,000 people. Our thanks go to those who are working on the ground to help the suffering and who expose themselves to various dangers.
1. Supply of Food and Drinking Water
In this country torn by civil war, hunger and contaminated drinking water are currently more deadly for individuals than the fighting, according to UN studies. Anugerah has therefore made the provision of food aid and drinking water a priority. At regular intervals, Anugerah’s partners in Yemen distribute food parcels containing basic foodstuffs to ensure the recipients’ survival.
Anugerah also helps by installing rainwater collection and treatment systems so that affected households have access to drinking water. For the recipients, these systems not only provide clean water and thus prevent illnesses, but they also provide a significant gain in time, as long journeys to other water collection points are no longer necessary. As this is often the task of children and women, the drinking water systems give them more time to look after their families or attend school.
2. Emergency Medical Aid
In 2023, Anugerah was also active in the medical field in Yemen. In addition to distributing hygiene packages, this also included providing medical care for the sick and psychological help for the traumatized. Unfortunately, a large part of the country’s medical facilities have been destroyed or are no longer functional as a result of the civil war.
3. Emergency Shelters: Aid for Refugees and Orphans
In addition to food and hygiene packages, many IDPs were assisted with shelters. Here, we looked at what individuals really needed and provided help that is was needs-driven as possible. One part of this aid focused on orphans who had lost their parents in the turmoil of the civil war and were left to fend for themselves without an adult caregiver.
4. School and Education
These orphans, as well as many other children and young people, received the opportunity to attend school. The war has destroyed many schools and has also displaced many families. In addition, depending on the area, there are high rates of child labor, child marriages or recruitment of child soldiers. As a result, an entire generation is at risk of growing up traumatized and without significant education. Anugerah addressed this need and worked with local partners to build and renovate several schools. Anugerah also helped with further education for teachers and vocational training for adults.
Project Conclusion
The year 2023 was another year in which the civil war claimed direct and indirect victims. In addition, conflicts flared up again due to the current, far-reaching Middle East conflict. With the help of local partners and generous supporters, Anugerah was able to address the need in various areas. More than 70,000 people were helped, giving cause for much gratitude. In the midst of great need, Anugerah was able to give hope, heal wounds and inspire confidence for a better tomorrow. With gratitude for what has been achieved, zest for action in the face of the ever-continuing need, and hope for a future peace, Anugerah looks toward to the coming year.
Project supported by the Canton of Berne Lottery Fund
