Sida's work in Yemen
The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is the largest in the world, and it continues to worsen. The crisis is caused by poverty, exacerbated by the civil war that started in 2014. Several countries in the region are involved in the armed conflicts.
Humanitarian aid in Yemen
Over 20 million people, more than two-thirds of Yemen’s population, need humanitarian assistance. Of these, more than 16 million are in urgent need of food aid and many are starving.1
The conflict in Yemen has claimed more than 370,000 lives since 2014, mainly due to a lack of water, food and health care. Since the crisis began, more than 4 million people have been forced to leave their homes. They become internally displaced persons (IDPs) and live in temporary camps, schools or private homes.2
Recurrent outbreaks of cholera, desert locusts and floods are exacerbating the already serious situation. The COVID-19 pandemic has further increased needs. Food shortages and malnutrition are at alarming levels in Yemen. Access to basic social services remains limited.3
Yemen is home to more than 140,000 refugees and asylum seekers from other countries, mainly from the Horn of Africa countries in East Africa. Their situation is increasingly difficult, particularly for women and children. The country’s restrictions prevent women from travelling unaccompanied by a male family member. This also makes it more difficult for female aid workers. Sexual and gender-based violence is widespread and increasing, particularly on the front lines.
Sida's aid in Yemen
Sida’s humanitarian support in Yemen focuses on food, improved water, sanitation and hygiene, and better access to health care and shelter. Here is a selection of the organisations we support.
Humanitarian fund for emergency operations
OCHA’s Yemen Humanitarian Fund supports many sectors and local organisations. Support is provided for emergency life-saving and life-sustaining interventions in several sectors of society, including remote areas.
More toilets and clean water
The lack of clean water and toilets is severe and makes the spread of disease easier. It also affects already vulnerable children and infants. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is one of several organisations working to increase access to clean water, toilets and washing facilities.
Nutritious food and vaccines for children
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works to provide children and mothers with nutritious food, and meet other needs. This includes increasing access to clean water and basic sanitation, as well as education. UNICEF also plays a key role in providing the population with vaccines for things like polio. UNICEF estimates that more than 11 million children will need humanitarian assistance in 2022.
Schools are refurbished and built
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is helping to build schools and expand and renovate damaged school buildings so that more children can attend school. This has resulted in more classrooms, access to clean water and separate toilets for boys and girls.
Food for 13 million
The World Food Programme (WFP) is a major stakeholder in Yemen, providing regular food to 13 million of the most vulnerable people.
Supporting internally displaced persons
The UN refugee agency UNHCR is leading the distribution of non-food items, such as blankets, health items and cooking pots, especially to internally displaced people (IDPs).
Sida's Crisis Analysis
Sweden’s humanitarian aid to Yemen has grown over the past decade. The aid is based on an annual crisis analysis.
Updated: October 7, 2022