YemenConflict in Yemen has driven half a million people in southern Yemen to flee their homes in search of security. 90% of them now live in makeshift camps. Displaced people are at risk of contracting cholera, measles, and lung
infections due to poor hygiene, overcrowding and unhygienic water
supplies.Outbreaks of cholera and diarrhea are expected to increase with
summer. Measles is again threatening to become the number one killer of
small children and Polio virus incidents are increasing due to low
vaccination coverage.
The food crisis has increased at an alarming rate, with 10 million people struggling to find or afford sufficient food. Half of these people are severely food insecure. Malnutrition has followed, with 58% of children in the Hodeida district malnourished, and nearly one million children under 5 are malnourised.
Over half a million Yemenis are displaced within their country. Prior to the recent clashes, over 300,000 had fled their homes in the northern governorate of Sa’dah.Over the last three months, a further 52,000 have been displaced in the north, and more than 150,000 in the south. Refugees stand at 220,000
Shelter remains the biggest challenge; schools hosting displaced people in Aden are already full and the host community has taken in many families. There are now almost 20 people to a room in some schools and in Aden, 74 schools have been used as temporary shelters for 20,000 people since May last year.
Clashes between pro and anti-government groups have subsided, but the atmosphere is still tense. Civilians still face regular disruption to the supply of water, fuel, power and medicine.
Yemen in statistics:
• Only half the population has access to health services
• Yemen is ranked number 2 in the world for the prevalence of stunting and acute malnutrition
• Countrywide, the deteriorating economic situation is further worsening the food insecurity of 7.2 million people including more than 2.9 million persons facing severe food insecurity.
• Only 62% of the Yemeni population have access to improved water supply
Libya February 2012 marks one year since the start of the Libyan revolution.
As anti-government protests were met with violent resistance, thousands of Libyans were forced to flee to neighbouring countries, whilst scores of foreign workers - many from sub-Saharan nations - returned to their countries of origin.
Today, Libya is far calmer than it had been during the uprising, but there are sporadic clashes. There are growing concerns about unexploded ordnance, cluster bombs and mines, which litter parts of the landscape.
Egypt
February also marks one year since Egypt’s ex-president, Hosni Mubarak, stepped down after 18 days of protests and clashes across Egypt. Regular, but small protests have been taking place in the North African country throughout the last year, protesting military rule, high food prices, and the delays to handing power to a new ruling government.
Clashes break out almost on a monthly basis in Tahrir Square and many entrances to the iconic plaza were blocked off by the military and guarded at all hours.