Displacement of 290 Thousand in Yemen and Houthi Siege of Taiz Threatens the Lives of Hundreds of Thousands

Al-Taj News – The numbers of displaced people in Yemen continue to rise as a result of the military escalation that has entered its fifth month, while a human rights organization warned of a severe humanitarian catastrophe in Taiz due to the continuation of the Houthi group’s siege on the city.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that more than 290,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in Yemen since the beginning of last August, amid ongoing fighting with no signs of easing.

It indicated that civilians continue to pay the price, as the United Nations Human Rights Office documented the killing of 68 and the wounding of 202 among civilians during the past three months, confirming that women and children represent two-thirds of the total casualties, while children constitute half the number of dead.

It showed that pregnant women are among the groups most at risk, noting that United Nations Population Fund estimates indicate the presence of about 6,100 pregnant women among the recently displaced.

It explained that humanitarian partners provided immediate assistance to approximately 249,000 displaced persons, which included providing essential food items, hygiene supplies, and emergency cash assistance.

The UN office renewed its call to all parties on the necessity of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, respecting international humanitarian law, and allowing safe, sustainable, and unhindered access for humanitarian aid.