Abyan Aid Distribution October 2011

Crisis Overview

During the past few months, Yemen has seen a fresh wave of displacement and refugees due to the unrest and heavy fighting. The already stretched resources catering for hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons are at breaking point.

The refugees and IDPs are not the only ones affected, with fuel and food shortages pushing many Yemenis well below the poverty line. According to UN OCHA, the cost of fuel on the black market has risen by over 60% and the cost of bread has soared by 50% in the past few months. According to IRIN, many cannot afford basic food items like bread and some families even skip meals. This particularly puts children at risk, with over half of them malnourished, according to a UN OCHA estimate.

Many international humanitarian organizations have left Yemen, creating a gap in the delivery and coverage of humanitarian assistance. The Emergency Response Fund for Yemen is underfunded, with only over $6 million allocated to respond to this crisis.

In this fluid humanitarian landscape, Humanitarian Forum Yemen is actively responding to the needs of local civil society. Find out more about our Emergency Management Workshops in Aden and Sana'a.

Abyan Aid Distribution

Between 24 and 26 October, Humanitarian Forum Yemen and its members implemented the second phase of their aid distribution campaign in Abyan. The region is badly affected by fighting, playing host to numerous IDP and refugee camps in need of aid.

The aid distribution was funded by Ehsan Charity Association, Al Islah Charitable Association, and the UK Yemeni Diasporaand the project was implemented by Al Islah and Al Hayah Charitable Association.

The project benefitted 345 displaced families from the districts of Ga'ar and Zingebar.

Humanitarian access is very problematic due to the unrest, however Humanitarian Forum Yemen managed to help over 2,139 individuals with flour, rice, sugar and cooking oil.