Human rights organizations deplore deteriorating humanitarian, economic conditions in Yemen

International organizations have condemned the deteriorating humanitarian and economic conditions in Yemen in light of the continued reduction of funding for many humanitarian projects and programs.

In a joint statement, 98 local and international organizations confirmed the deplorable humanitarian and economic situation in Yemen and its impacts on millions of people in various governorates, in light of the decline in humanitarian activities over the past months due to lack of funding for relief activities.

The statement said that “17 million Yemenis suffer from food insecurity,” pointing out that “6.1 million people are in an emergency under the integrated classification of food security phases (IPC), which indicates an acute shortage of food and acute malnutrition and particularly affects women and children.”

The statement added that “Yemen is facing an acute shortage of water for agricultural production and human use, and approximately 15.4 million people need safe drinking water and sanitation services to avoid the risk of cholera and other deadly diseases.”

It continued that “Overcrowded camps and low vaccination rates have led to an increase in measles and rubella cases,” stressing that “The health system in Yemen is now under huge pressure to meet the increasing needs of the people with little or no resources, which has led to an estimated 20.3 million people lacking health care.”

The statement warned that “A woman dies every two hours during pregnancy or childbirth, while 6 out of 10 births take place without the presence of a trained midwife.”

The statement stressed that the highest priority should be given to mine clearance, as Yemen remains one of the most polluted country in the world with explosive remnants of war (ERW) that lead to death and maiming, especially children.