The Minister of State discusses with the advisor to the UN Under-Secretary-General ways to expedite response to displacement emergencies.

Urgent Measures Discussed to Address Displacement Crisis in Yemen

The Minister of State for Displacement and Irregular Migration Affairs met today in the temporary capital, Aden, with John Ging, the Senior Advisor to the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations for Humanitarian Affairs. They discussed urgent measures to address the repercussions of the escalation by the Houthi terrorist militias and ways to enhance partnerships for developing humanitarian response mechanisms.

Government Efforts to Manage Displacement

During the meeting, both parties reviewed the government’s efforts to manage the influx of displaced persons. These efforts include preparing sites for camps in host governorates, providing emergency shelter, food assistance, drinking water, and environmental sanitation, in collaboration with local organizations and international partners.

Importance of Timely Intervention

Minister Al-Ibareh emphasized the significance of this visit, coinciding with ongoing terrorist attacks by the Houthi militias on the city and countryside of Taiz. He noted the continuous flow of displaced individuals fleeing death and sectarian violence perpetrated by the militias.

Displacement Statistics

The minister reported that the number of displaced persons due to Houthi escalation has reached 197,906, distributed across ten governorates. The breakdown includes 85,384 in Taiz, 50,253 in Lahij, 17,782 in Aden, 14,679 in Abyan, 2,884 in Marib, 1,498 in Hadramout, 1,373 in Al-Dhale, 812 in Shabwa, and 799 in Al-Mahra.

Dual Approach to Displacement Crisis

Minister Al-Ibareh explained that the government addresses the displacement crisis through two pathways. The first is an emergency response closely linked to containing displacement and accelerating humanitarian assistance. The second pathway is strategic, aiming to transition to permanent solutions for addressing displacement.

International Response Prioritized

John Ging, the UN official, affirmed that Yemen ranks as a top priority for international response. He clarified that the organization’s plans target 9.4 million people out of a total of 24.07 million Yemenis in need, with 7.7 million experiencing severe need.

Concerns Over Aid Delivery

Ging expressed concern over the difficulties in delivering aid to areas controlled by the Houthis. He reiterated the commitment to provide technical support for emergency response and government plans, praising the tangible improvements in the government’s field performance and its ability to handle urgent humanitarian crises.

Attendees of the Meeting

The meeting also included Karen Bogdan, Director of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and Zakaria Said, Assistant Resident Representative of the United Nations in Yemen.

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