Yemen: IDPs in need of assistance across country
| Publisher | Norwegian Refugee Council/Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (NRC/IDMC) |
| Publication Date | 15 July 2011 |
| Cite as | Norwegian Refugee Council/Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (NRC/IDMC), Yemen: IDPs in need of assistance across country , 15 July 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4e3945d32.html [accessed 7 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Reports have continued of large-scale displacement resulting from conflict in southern Yemen between militants and pro-government military units. As of 4 July, tens of thousands of people had fled the southern province of Abyan after militants took over the provincial capital Zinjibar in June. According to the UN, there were at the start of July more than 15,600 internally displaced people (IDPs) in neighbouring Aden, close to 11,900 in Lahj and an estimated 15,000 still in Abyan.
The IDPs require emergency assistance including shelter, protection, non-food items and health care. Access to Abyan has been limited due to the insecurity and further by the scarcity of fuel supplies and food and water shortages.
Despite the continued political unrest across the country, President Saleh has refused to step down from power. In Al-Hasaba in central Yemen, factional fighting has displaced at least 2,000 people, with the UN reporting that the number of IDPs may be higher. In the north, the ceasefire between Al Houthi and government forces has held since February 2010, and humanitarian agencies have been able to gain wider access. Nonetheless, IDPs, returnees and other war-affected populations in the north have outstanding urgent assistance needs.
