Yemen
Help in times of war and hunger
Situation report
War has been raging in Yemen for almost ten years now. Since the war, the country’s humanitarian needs have increased many times over. For several years, Yemen topped the UN’s list of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. With repeated ceasefires and peace talks in recent years, there has been some hope of an end to the fighting. Nevertheless, the humanitarian situation has not yet improved. The renewed Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the subsequent attacks on international merchant shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden have made it clear that a lasting peace is not yet possible.
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.
Implementation of projects
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 not everyone is affected by need in the same way. It is Anugerah’s concern to help those most severely affected to lead a life in dignity. That is why Anugerah is committed to the welfare of internally displaced persons, 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 for the well-being of the suffering Yemenis and who have exposed themselves to various dangers.
1. food & drinking water supply
According to UN studies, hunger and contaminated drinking water are currently more deadly for individuals in the civil war country than the fighting. Anugerah has therefore made the area of food aid and drinking water supply 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 harvesting and treatment systems so that households in need have drinking water. For the recipients, drinking water means not only being able to drink clean water and thus prevent illness, but also a significant gain in time, as the long journey to other water points is 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
Anugerah 2023 was also active in the medical field in Yemen. In addition to distributing hygiene packages, this also included providing medical care for the sick in need and psychological help for traumatized people. Unfortunately, most of the country’s medical facilities have been destroyed or are no longer functional as a result of the civil war.
3. emergency shelters: Refugee & orphan aid
In addition to food and hygiene packages, many internally displaced persons were also helped with accommodation. Here, we looked at what individual people really needed in order to provide help that was as needs-based as possible. 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 training
These orphans, as well as many other children and young people, were able to attend school. The war destroyed many schools, but 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 any significant education. Anugerah addressed this need and worked with local partners to build and renovate several schools. Anugerah also helped with the further training of teachers and vocational training for adults.
Project summary
The year 2023 was another year in which the civil war claimed direct and indirect victims. In addition, fighting flared up again due to the current, far-reaching Middle East conflict. With the help of local partners and generous support, Anugerah was able to address this need in various areas. More than 70,000 people have been helped, giving cause for gratitude. In the midst of this great need, hope has been spread, wounds have been healed and confidence for a better tomorrow has been sown. Anugerah looks forward to the coming year with gratitude for what has been achieved, with a thirst for action in the face of the continuing great need and with hope for a coming peace.
Project supported by the Canton of Berne Lottery Fund
