Highlights:
Yemen’s situation is negatively impacted by halt in the peace negotiation, ongoing hostilities and worsening economic situation. The escalated conflict, higher prices of fuel and basic goods, and a considerable cash shortage are deeply affecting national systems – particularly the health system. Enormous humanitarian needs in Yemen are expected to increase in the coming months.
Despite challenges in humanitarian access, particularly in Taiz governorate and border locations, UNICEF and partners continued providing supplies across the country and mobile teams reached over 43,000 children, pregnant and lactating women with health and nutrition services.
During July, UNICEF’s water trucking capacity increased granting access to safe water to more than 32,000 people (16,000 children) in communities not connected to the public water network. In addition, over 30,000 people (50 per cent children) benefited from the rehabilitation of rural water projects.
Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs
After 17 months of ongoing conflict in Yemen, the humanitarian situation is appalling and continues to deteriorate. Kuwait-based peace negotiations resumed on 16 July after a two-week pause, but ended at the end of the month. Hostilities intensified during July in several locations, causing civilian victims and access constraints. Moreover, rising tensions were reported in Taiz governorate where the prolonged closure on Taiz city has been reinforced, depriving population from access to humanitarian assistance, according to a recent statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator.
Yemeni children are paying a great price of the current conflict, not only with over 2,700 children killed and injured but also because of the devastating consequences of the deteriorating economic situation and declining public services. National systems are on the verge of collapse, especially the health system. The prices of the basic food basket in June were the highest in the last six months, while the prices of cooking gas, diesel and petrol increased significantly by 119 per cent, 78 per cent and 123 per cent respectively, higher than pre-crisis prices.1 The current conflict is affecting the fragile economy, the central bank reserve is running low causing a severe shortage of cash. The situation worsened in July when some government staff salary were not paid. In the current scenario, needs are expected to increase, families will struggle to afford food, water, fuel and to provide basic health services and education for their children. Despite current challenges, UNICEF is taking preventive measures to mitigate any disruption in the humanitarian operation and will continue to work closely with counterparts and partners in order to provide assistance for the most affected and vulnerable children and families.