The latest round of violent conflict between government forces and Al Houthi rebels has been raging in northern Yemen since August 2009. The fighting has displaced more than 250,000 people, mainly women and children. People have fled south where some have sought refuge in camps, while others are living in makeshift shelters by the side of the road or with local host families.
The conflict has now spread to 13 districts in Sa’ada and neighbouring governorates including Amran, and civilians continue to be killed and injured on a daily basis. However, health facilities are struggling to continue operating, leading to concerns over outbreaks of disease.
Food shortages
Many basic necessities are no longer available in the market. Food in Sa’ada is running low and the cost of what is available has risen dramatically, but people are afraid to leave their homes to travel to the markets. There are also shortages of fuel and frequent blackouts, and all communication lines are currently down.
Because of the volatile security situation, few humanitarian workers are able to get access to those still trapped in the conflict zone.
Overcrowded camps
Those who have managed to flee from Sa’ada have travelled further south to neighbouring governorates such as Hajjah, Amran and Al Jowf or tried to cross the border into Saudi Arabia. Some are staying with friends and relatives; others are living in public buildings such as schools, while an increasing number have settled in overcrowded camps and in informal settlements along the road.
With a growing number of displaced people and continued insecurity, aid agencies are struggling to provide all the necessary basic services. There are also concerns that overcrowding and limited health services, could lead to serious health problems.
There are currently more than 16,200 displaced people living in Al Mazrak 1 camp near Haradh which is being managed by Islamic Relief, and the numbers are growing on a daily basis. Al Mazrak 1 now houses more than double its intended capacity, with more people camped outside waiting for assistance.
To ease the pressure on this camp, Islamic Relief has set up and is running Al Mazrak 3 which currently houses around 800 people.
Psychological trauma
Inside the camps over 80 per cent of the residents are women and children, many of whom are suffering from trauma. There are also many health problems with around one third of the children in the camp suffering from malnutrition.
With no end to the conflict in sight there is an urgent need to ensure that all the displaced people are provided with food, shelter, healthcare and protection, as well as extending to the same support to those still trapped in the conflict zone.
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