The Yemen humanitarian crisis arose from civil unrest following the Arab Spring in 2011, escalating into a civil war influenced by Saudi and Emirati involvement. With 4.5 million displaced individuals and over 233,000 deaths—primarily from indirect causes—the situation remains dire, especially with millions facing hunger and lack of access to clean water. Advocacy for awareness is essential to improve conditions for the Yemeni population.
The Yemen humanitarian crisis began in 2011 amid the Arab Spring, which prompted revolutions in various Arab states against authoritarian rule. This unrest spiraled into a protracted civil war exacerbated by the intervention of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. As a direct consequence, approximately 4.5 million Yemeni civilians have been internally displaced due to the conflict, leading to overwhelming humanitarian needs across the nation.
Zainab Al Mutawakel, a Yemeni student advocating for awareness regarding her homeland, expressed the resilience of her people, stating, “People need to start looking into it and understand that Yemeni people are known to be really kind individuals.” After fleeing Yemen with her family, Al Mutawakel has faced challenges settling away from home while worrying for the family members still in Yemen who are grappling with the impact of the blockade and ongoing conflict.
The Houthis, who have historically felt marginalized in Yemeni politics, seized control of the capital Sana’a in 2014. Following this upheaval, in 2015, Saudi Arabia engaged militarily to remove the Houthis, transforming the conflict into a regional crisis. David Mednicoff, a specialist in Middle Eastern studies, noted the crisis, saying, “What started as the unraveling of an authoritarian government…turned into a civil war that blew up very rapidly into a regional conflict in Yemen.”
Currently, the humanitarian crisis continues to unfold, claiming over 233,000 lives, predominantly due to indirect causes like malnutrition, disease, and lack of healthcare. A staggering two-thirds of Yemenis, totaling 21.6 million individuals, are in urgent need of humanitarian aid, with 17.6 million facing extreme hunger, particularly amongst children. Unfortunately, the domestic water network serves only 30% of the population, leading to severe outbreaks of cholera.
In 2022, a ceasefire was established, but the situation on the ground remains dire. Al Mutawakel highlighted the challenges of travel within Yemen, citing the bombardment and limited accessibility of airports, which has compounded the difficulties for citizens wanting to flee. She emphasized the grim reality of obtaining visas and the financial burdens preventing families from leaving their war-torn country.
Al Mutawakel urges the global community to take notice of this hidden crisis, stating, “We really need people to think about world issues that they might not see.” She also expressed a sense of guilt for pursuing her education abroad while many in Yemen lack similar opportunities. “I just wish people would spread awareness about the humanitarian crisis and make it more of a priority to help these people,” she concluded, underscoring the plight of her fellow Yemenis.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen has resulted from civil strife and foreign intervention since 2011. The suffering of the Yemeni people, exacerbated by displacement and blockades, has led to critical food shortages and health emergencies. Advocacy from individuals like Zainab Al Mutawakel highlights the urgent need for global awareness and support. The international community must prioritize addressing this crisis, as millions of Yemenis strive to survive amid adversity.
Original Source: dailycollegian.com
