Insecurity and clashes in northern Yemen keep aid from thousands in need – UN

Insecurity and sporadic clashes in and around the northern Yemeni town of Sa’ada are impeding aid delivery to thousands of trapped civilians and internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have not received help since the conflict escalated six weeks ago, the United Nations reported today.

“Given the access limitations and geographical spread of the IDPs in all four governorates affected by the conflict, it has been very difficult to assess the full scope of displacement up to now, and to provide sufficient relief to those in need,” the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said of the fighting between the Government and rebels, which has driven some 150,000 people from their homes.

Over the past week, registration efforts have continued in relatively secure areas that are accessible to the UN and non-governmental organizations (NGO) partners.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP), through its implementing partner Islamic Relief Yemen, has distributed 481 metric tons of food to some 32,200 beneficiaries in Hajjah and Sa'ada governorates. No distributions have so far taken place in Amran and Al-Jawf governorates, but as soon as access is possible and the security situation allows, Islamic Relief Yemen will undertake distributions in the area, OCHA said.

In Haradh in Hajjah governorate, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has, together with the local council, set up water, sanitation and hygiene services at Al-Mazrak camp, and aided some 420 IDPs outside the camp. Each IDP family has received one hygiene kit.

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has helped set up five fixed-delivery points and recruit two mobile teams, each with a physician, midwife and lab technicians to provide minimum initial services.

The $23.7-million Yemen ‘flash appeal’ is less than 2 per cent funded a full month after it was launched, with the United States contributing $250,000 and Ireland $143,885 to UNICEF. Pledges of $2.6 million have been received but they still need to be confirmed. In addition, the US has provided US$2.5 million to WFP for food assistance outside of the appeal’s framework.