ReliefWeb - Yemen Updates

UN Special Envoy for Yemen concludes visit to Aden | United Nations Peace Operations

UN Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:33:06 +0000

Country: Yemen

Source: UN Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen

Amman, 9 April 2026 - The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, concluded a visit to Aden, where he met with senior Yemeni government officials to discuss the implications of recent regional and national developments on prospects for peace in Yemen, and priorities for the political, economic and military/security tracks of the UN-led mediation process.

The Special Envoy met with Presidential Leadership Council Member Mahmood Al-Subihi and Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaya Zindani. Discussions focused on the regional escalation and its impact on Yemen, as well as on internal developments, including efforts to stabilize the situation in southern governorates. The Envoy also briefed on the status of ongoing negotiations related to conflict-related detainees.

The Government’s economic priorities, including the adoption of the 2026 budget and strategic plan were at the centre of the Envoy’s discussions with Minister of Finance Marwan Bin Ghanem, and Minister of Oil and Minerals Mohammed Bamaqa. The meetings focused on financial stabilization, including revenue and budgetary priorities, as well as advancing the resumption of fuel production and exports to support economic recovery.

The Envoy’s meeting with Minister of State for Women’s Affairs Ahed Jasoos, focused on the importance of inclusive participation, including the meaningful engagement of women in political, and public decision-making processes, as well as the economic empowerment of women and the need to strengthen social and legal protections. The Special Envoy also met with Central Bank of Yemen Governor Ahmed Ahmed Ghaleb, with discussions focusing on economic stabilization measures and the broader financial context, including monetary challenges and opportunities for advancing reforms.

In his meeting with Minister of State and Governor of Aden Abdulrahman Sheikh, the Special Envoy discussed local dynamics and ongoing efforts to support stability and service delivery in the governorate.

He also met with members from civil society and media as part of the broader inclusion efforts of the Office.

In all his engagements, the Special Envoy reiterated the importance of shielding Yemen from regional escalations, supporting economic stability, and preserving space for a Yemeni-led political process under UN auspices.

Yemen Key Message Update: Shipping surcharges expected to increase prices, despite control measures, March - September 2026

Famine Early Warning System Network — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 02:33:26 +0000

Country: Yemen

Source: Famine Early Warning System Network

Please refer to the attached file.

Key Messages

In areas controlled by the Sana’a-Based authorities (SBA), Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes are expected to persist through September in Al-Hudaydah, Hajjah, and Ta'izz governates, with Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes otherwise widespread. Income-generating opportunities remain extremely limited due to reduced operational capacity at Red Sea ports and exorbitant taxes imposed by the SBA. Substantial competition for limited opportunities – heightened by large concentrations of internally displaced persons (IDPs) – further constrains household income. Current conditions are likely to be exacerbated by anticipated price increases associated with the wider regional conflict, resulting in food consumption gaps and the use of unsustainable coping strategies. Meanwhile, in rural highland areas, deteriorating pasture conditions and high fodder prices are expected to force poor pastoral households to sell livestock at below-average prices during the June to August lean season, resulting in well below-average income and purchasing power in rural areas.
Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are expected to persist across areas controlled by the internationally recognized government (IRG) through September, with pockets of households facing Emergency (IPC Phase 4) due to prolonged economic disruption, well below-average labor demand, and severely limited livelihood options. Agricultural labor demand is expected to moderately increase between March and May as land preparation and fruit harvesting progress, but will decline seasonally afterward, while other casual labor opportunities are expected to remain minimal throughout the outlook period. Among the poorest households, incomes are expected to remain insufficient to close food consumption gaps.
The wider regional conflict is expected to impact Yemen through several transmission pathways. Yemen is highly import-dependent, and will likely face energy supply and price shocks over time. In both IRG- and SBA-controlled areas, authorities have limited fiscal capacity to cope with rising key commodity prices, including fuel, fertilizer, and food. Price controls are currently in place and expected to slow the pace of price transmission but are unlikely to hold should disruptions persist. IRG-areas are largely self-sufficient for crude oil and natural gas; however, refined petroleum product imports remain important to the economy. SBA areas are fully import-dependent for fuel – mainly from Gulf countries – with a substantial portion of Iranian imports arriving at Red Sea ports on shadow tankers. Maritime trade disruptions are expected to negatively impact both areas, particularly as shipping companies have begun imposing risk fees of approximately 3,000 USD per container. IRG officials have urged shipping companies to eliminate these fees, though negotiations are unlikely to result in reduced premiums, considering the Houthis’ direct engagement in the conflict.
On March 28, the Houthis claimed responsibility for missile strikes against Israel, which were intercepted near Beersheba without casualties. While the Houthis maintain the capability to further escalate, a move to close Bab al‑Mandeb Strait or launch sustained attacks on Red Sea commercial traffic is not likely at this time. As of March 31, Israel had not launched retaliatory strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Nevertheless, renewed threat of conflict in the Red Sea, combined with increased freight surcharges (including insurance premiums), is expected to reduce commercial shipping and limit still-recovering import volumes in SBA-controlled areas, reducing import tax revenues for the SBA and exacerbating macroeconomic issues.
Currency shortages persist in IRG-controlled areas due to a lack of confidence in the monetary system and the Central Bank of Yemen in Aden (CBY-Aden), which has led to local currency hoarding by the public, traders, and speculators. These shortages have delayed or impeded hard currency remittance exchanges, disrupting a typical source of income and creating additional hardships for households amid rising prices and approaching Eid al-Fitr expenditures. Military salary payments, which have been delayed for five months, were distributed in a combination of YER and SAR. Financial institutions are limiting withdrawals or only allowing for small denominations of 100 and 200 YER that are not accepted in markets or banks, despite being legal tender, resulting in very limited relief for households awaiting these payments. In February, CBY-Aden implemented new measures to address cash shortages, including injections of YER from bank reserves and continued pressure on foreign exchange traders to reduce speculation and hoarding, with limited success.
Inflationary pressures are impacting all of Yemen, despite price controls. In IRG-controlled areas, key informants report increases in staple food prices in March despite YER appreciation, driven by rising insurance and risk fees associated with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and weak government price controls. Traders are further exploiting ongoing currency shortages to raise food and non-food commodity prices. In SBA-controlled areas, increased taxation has placed additional pressure on market prices, with vegetable oil and wheat flour in Sana’a City increasing by 6 percent and 2 percent, respectively, compared to January 2025, despite price controls.
In SBA-controlled areas, winter wheat and barley harvests have begun in the northern highlands and are expected to conclude in April, while potato harvests in Sa’adah, Ma’rib, and Al-Jawf are increasing agricultural day labor demand. However, high production costs, low-quality seeds, and disruptions to agricultural activities are constraining production and limiting labor opportunities for daily wage workers. Onion farmers in the western coastal region face additional pressures, as a lack of clear government export policies has created a domestic market surplus, while disruptions in export routes and rising costs for agricultural inputs, irrigation, fuel, and transportation are further eroding profit margins. The resulting oversupply of produce has driven prices to record lows, resulting in financial losses for farmers. While the low prices are improving poor households’ access to vegetables, labor demand will likely be negatively impacted in subsequent growing cycles.
In lowland coastal areas, the fruit harvest is currently ongoing. However, agricultural exports through the Al-Wadi'ah land border crossing in Hadhramaut are significantly delayed, with over 400 refrigerated trucks reportedly backed up and waiting to cross into the Saudi market as of early March. Prolonged wait times are increasing daily operating costs, as refrigeration systems must run continuously to preserve produce quality, reducing profit margins for farmers and traders. These elevated transportation costs are expected to negatively impact the next production cycle, suppressing agricultural wage rates and labor demand.

Two Mothers, One Struggle: Surviving Childbirth in Yemen

United Nations Population Fund — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 01:12:42 +0000

Country: Yemen

Source: United Nations Population Fund

Marib/Hadramout - In Yemen, where more than a decade of conflict has displaced over 5.2 million people—80 percent of them women and children—giving birth has become a matter of survival. For women like Hala and Wijdan, motherhood begins not in safety, but amid war, poverty, and uncertainty.

Giving Life, Fighting for Survival

At 28, Hala fled the conflict in Amran Governorate and now lives with her family in a displacement camp in Marib. Pregnant with twins, she faced hunger, fear, and a lack of medical care. When labor began, neighbors urged her to reach Mohammed Ha’el Hospital, supported by UNFPA and funded by the European Union Humanitarian Aid.

When Hala arrived—exhausted and terrified—the medical team immediately took action. The examination revealed that both babies were in breech position, a life-threatening complication.

“It was a race against time,” recalled one of the attending nurses. “But we had the equipment, the training, and the will to save her.”

Moments later, Hala held her newborn sons in her arms. “Without this hospital and the people who helped me, I don’t know if I would be alive today,” she said. The presence of the facility and the availability of free emergency obstetric care turned what could have been a tragedy into one of survival and hope.

Hundreds of kilometers away in Hadramout Governorate, 16-year-old Wijdan faced a similar struggle. Displaced from Hajjah, she arrived at community midwife Noor Hadi’s door in labor—terrified and exhausted.

“She was just a child herself, and she had no idea what to expect,” said Noor. Acting quickly, the midwife provided care, guiding Wijdan through the delivery with compassion and skill.

“I didn’t think I would survive,” Wijdan whispered. “But thanks to the midwife, I did. She saved me and my baby.”

Both women survived because they reached skilled care in time—something many in Yemen cannot.

In Yemen, childbirth is often a matter of life and death. Every day, three women die during childbirth—80 percent from causes that are almost entirely preventable. In 2026, 5.5 million people require access to reproductive health services, yet 40 percent of health facilities are partially functioning or closed, and only one in five offers maternal health services. Rising food insecurity has also left over 1.3 million pregnant and breastfeeding women malnourished.

A Lifeline of Support

UNFPA, together with local partners such as the Building Foundation for Development and with financial support from the European Union, works to ensure that women and girls have continuous access to life-saving reproductive health services, even in the most remote and conflict-affected areas. This includes supporting emergency obstetric and newborn care units, training midwives, supplying essential medicines and equipment, and deploying mobile clinics to reach displaced communities.

In 2025, UNFPA reached 1.5 million women and girls with life-saving reproductive health services, supporting nearly 80,000 safe births across 72 health facilities.

However, these services are now at risk of closure. In 2026, UNFPA requires US$71.9 million to continue providing reproductive health and protection services in Yemen, but the response is only 13 percent funded. Without urgent support, thousands of pregnant women and newborns could lose access to the care that keeps them safe and alive.

“Every mother deserves to give birth safely,” said Noor. “No matter where she comes from—her life matters.”

UNICEF Yemen Humanitarian Situation Report No. 2 (End of Year), 31 December 2025

UN Children's Fund — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 23:37:22 +0000

Country: Yemen

Source: UN Children's Fund

Please refer to the attached file.

Highlights

UNICEF supported 3,200 primary health care facilities, enabling 4.6 million women and children, to access essential health services. 4.9 million children under five were screened for malnutrition. Among them, 294,464 were severely malnourished (SAM), admitted to outpatient programmes, forming 61% of the annual target. 10,045 children were admitted to inpatient care in therapeutic feeding centers.
UNICEF’s WASH programme supported water infrastructure development, reaching 1.17 M people through 54 water projects across 39 districts with severe water shortages. Installed 29 solar-powered projects in 13 districts benefiting 240,000 people.
104,616 children (45% girls) benefited from rehabilitation and construction of education facilities including providing solar power for 147 schools. UNICEF reached 116,674 children (45% girls) through formal/ non-formal education. This included 12,058 out-of-school children in alternative learning, and 2,718 reintegrated into public schools.

SITUATION IN NUMBERS

10,800,000 Children in need of humanitarian assistance

19,500,000 People in need of humanitarian assistance

FUNDING OVERVIEW AND PARTNERSHIPS

The Yemen Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) appeal required US$ 212 million for UNICEF’s response in 2025. UNICEF’s humanitarian strategy in Yemen focused on providing direct lifesaving assistance and building systems to strengthen linkages between humanitarian action and development/resilience programming. By the end of December 2025, UNICEF received a total of US$ 47.1 million against the HAC appeal and over US$30.3 million was carried forward from 2024, leaving a funding gap of over US$ 134.4 million (63 per cent of the total amount required) to continue UNICEF’s life-saving work in Yemen.

This achievement was made possible through the generous support of various donors, including the Australian Committee for UNICEF, Canada, the Belgian Committee for UNICEF, the Canadian Committee for UNICEF, Committee for UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the Danish Committee for UNICEF, the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations/ECHO, GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, the German Committee for UNICEF, UNICEF Global - Thematic Humanitarian Response, the Government of Japan, Iceland Committee for UNICEF, the Irish Committee for UNICEF, the Republic of Korea, the Spanish Committee for UNICEF, the Government of Norway and the Norwegian Committee for UNICEF, the Government of Sweden, the Government of the United Kingdom and the UK Committee for UNICEF, emergency pooled funds managed by UNOCHA, and international online donations and consolidating funding from UNICEF National Committees.

SITUATION OVERVIEW AND HUMANITARIAN NEEDS

In 2025, Yemen remained one of the world’s most severe and protracted humanitarian emergencies, with the cumulative impact of more than a decade of conflict, economic collapse and repeated shocks deepening needs across the country.

According to the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP 2025), 19.5 million people required humanitarian assistance and protection. Hunger and protection risks remained alarmingly high, driven by displacement and the erosion of livelihoods. Approximately 17.1 million Yemenis faced acute food insecurity and high malnutrition rates. Approximately 500,000 children needed treatment for severe acute malnutrition, while 17.8 million people remained without access to basic healthcare services. Poor water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions (WASH) affected 17.4 million people, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. Education was also in crisis where 4.5 million children remained out of school, with thousands of schools damaged or destroyed. At the same time, 7.4 million children urgently needed protection services amid escalating threats such as child labour, early marriage, gender-based violence, and recruitment by armed groups. Over 4.8 million people remained internally displaced, many living in protracted displacement with inadequate shelter, water, sanitation and protection.

Landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) continue to threaten civilians in Yemen, driving displacement and obstructing durable solutions, with Al-Hodeidah Governorate the most affected and nine ERW incidents recorded between July and September 2025, resulting in at least three deaths and six injuries.

As of September 2025, OCHA reported that an estimated 18.1 million people faced acute hunger, with 166 districts projected to fall into emergency food insecurity (IPC Phase 4) by the end of 2025 and up to 41,000 people at risk of catastrophic conditions (IPC Phase 5) without sustained assistance, the worst outlook since 2022. Ongoing economic conflict continued to erode livelihoods, purchasing power, and labour markets, with crisis and emergency food insecurity expected to persist through at least May 2026.

Yemen remains highly vulnerable to climate shocks, as severe flooding in 2025 affected more than 350,000 people across 19 governorates, causing deaths, injuries, large-scale displacement, and extensive damage to shelters, infrastructure, basic services, and livelihoods, further deepening humanitarian needs.

Persistent barriers to aid delivery, such as security constraints, bureaucratic impediments and funding shortfalls, compounded operational challenges for humanitarian actors, even as disease outbreaks and climatic hazards, including water-borne illnesses and extreme weather events, heightened vulnerabilities. The crisis disproportionately affected IDPs, marginalized groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and underscored the urgent need for sustained, life-saving assistance alongside political progress toward peace and stability.

Due to heightened security risks for United Nations staff members, a programme pause has been imposed in DFA (De Facto Authority) areas since Oct 2025, severely restricting key programmatic interventions and accessibility of services for the most vulnerable populations.

Yemen — Rapid Displacement Tracking Update (29 March - 04 April 2026)

International Organization for Migration — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:33:06 +0000

Country: Yemen

Source: International Organization for Migration

Please refer to the attached file.

IOM Yemen DTM’s Rapid Displacement Tracking (RDT) tool collects data on estimated numbers of households forced to flee on a daily basis from their locations of origin or displacement, allowing for regular reporting of new displacements in terms of estimated numbers, geography, and needs. It also tracks returnees who returned to their location of origin.

From 1 January to 4 April 2026, IOM Yemen DTM tracked 829 households (HH) (4,974 Individuals) who experienced displacement at least once.

Between 29 March and 4 April 2026, IOM Yemen DTM tracked 7 households (42 individuals) displaced at least once. The majority of people moved into/within the following governorates and districts:

Ma’rib (6 HHs) – Ma’rib (5 HHs), Ma’rib City (1 HHs) districts. Most displacements in the governorate originated from Ta’iz and Sadah.
Al Hodeidah (1 HH) – Hays (1 HH) district. All displacements in the governorate were internal.

The majority of people moved from the following governorates and districts:

Al Hodeidah (2 HHs) – Jabal Ras (1 HH), Hays (1 HH) districts.
Ta’iz (2 HHs) – Sharab As Salam (2 HHs) district.
Ma’rib (1 HH) – Sirwah (1 HH) district.

IOM identified 9 additional households displaced in the previous reporting period, which covered 22 - 28 March 2026, in the governorates of Ma’rib (7 HHs) and Al Hodeidah (2 HHs). These figures have been added to the cumulative displacement total recorded since the beginning of the year.

Methods used:

DTM’s Rapid Displacement Tracking (RDT) tool collects and reports on numbers of households forced to flee on a daily basis, allowing for regular reporting of new displacements in terms of numbers, geography and needs.

Limitations:

DTM Yemen is unable to report on figures in some governorates due to access limitations.

Qatar Charity’s “27th Night Challenge” Saves Children’s Lives in Yemen [EN/AR]

Qatar Red Crescent Society — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:07:04 +0000

Country: Yemen

Source: Qatar Red Crescent Society

Please refer to the attached files.

With donor support, and despite the current exceptional conditions, Qatar Charity’s “27th Night Challenge” held under the theme “Warding off Calamity”, organized a specialized medical camp to treat children suffering from congenital heart defects in Taiz, Yemen, bringing renewed hope to dozens of vulnerable families.

Aimed at mobilizing support for life‑saving medical initiatives worldwide, the campaign moved beyond fundraising into direct action, with a pediatric cardiac medical camp organized at the Cardiac and Vascular Center in Taiz, affiliated with Yemen’s Ministry of Health, alongside similar camps in other countries.”

During the camp, the medical team performed 33 pediatric heart procedures, including 30 cardiac catheterization interventions to treat congenital defects and repair heart septal holes, as well as three open‑heart surgeries for cases described as critical and life‑threatening.

For years, children’s families lived in fear, as the high cost of specialized heart surgery exceeded their means in a war‑affected country facing salary disruptions and worsening living conditions. With no specialized pediatric heart services available, the children’s suffering continued daily—until the medical camp brought relief and restored hope to 33 families.

Dr. Abu Dhar Al-Jundi, Consultant Cardiac and Vascular Surgeon and Director of the Cardiovascular and Kidney Transplant Center in Taiz, said the heart medical camp implemented as part of the “Warding off Calamity” campaign was a vital lifeline for sick children and their families amid severe health challenges. He noted that several cases were critical and that delayed treatment could have been fatal, adding that the greatest reward was seeing children smile after surgery and the tears of joy in their parents’ eyes.

Hussein’s mother said she had watched her son suffer day after day, unable to afford his treatment, adding that the successful catheterization gave him a new chance at life.

Similarly, Jawaher’s mother said the camp ended the family’s constant anxiety, describing her daughter’s safe recovery from surgery as a life‑saving moment they will never forget.

Qatar Charity organized the “27th Night Challenge” during Ramadan, marking the largest fundraising event held on YouTube to support life‑saving medical interventions, particularly for children in urgent need of surgery. With the support of generous donors, the initiative raised more than QAR 40 million to fund medical interventions in several countries, including Qatar.

**End**

Yemen: Shelter Cluster Flood response dashboard (As of 06 April 2026)

CCCM Cluster — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 02:06:08 +0000

Country: Yemen

Sources: CCCM Cluster, Shelter Cluster, UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Please refer to the attached Infographic.

Yemen Flood 2026 - DREF Operation (MDRYE017)

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 01:35:59 +0000

Country: Yemen

Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Please refer to the attached file.

Description of the Event

Date of event

27-03-2026

What happened, where and when?

This year, the rainy season in Yemen began earlier than usual, with initial low-intensity rainfall recorded starting from 20 March 2026. From 27 March 2026 onwards, rainfall intensified significantly, triggering severe flooding across Yemen and approximately more than ten governorates were affected, including Taiz (Al-Mokha), Al Jawf, Ibb, Abyan, Al Bayda, Lahj, Marib, Al Hodeidah, Hadramout, Aden, and Al Dhale’e.

According to Yemen Red Crescent Society (YRCS) reports, the floods have caused widespread humanitarian impacts, affecting an estimated 83,713 people (11,959 households). Of those affected, many live in IDP sites and flood-prone areas. A total of 254 incidents have been reported to YRCS EOC across branches, indicating a broad geographic spread and increasing pressure on response capacities. The disaster has resulted in at least 30 fatalities and 47 injuries, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Reports from ECHO indicate that since 27 March 2026, heavy rains and flooding have severely impacted coastal areas of Taiz Governorate, with additional flooding reported in Aden, Abyan, Marib, Lahj, and Al Hodeidah. At least 15 deaths have been reported, and approximately 9,820 households (68,740 people) have been affected, including populations across 49 IDP sites. While assessments are ongoing, critical infrastructure, including electricity networks, water supply systems, communications, transport, and mobility networks, has sustained significant damage. Temporary shelters for IDPs, as well as crops and livestock, have been destroyed. In parallel, the risk of waterborne diseases is increasing due to contamination of water sources and damage to WASH facilities. Many of the affected areas are located near frontlines, further elevating risks associated with landmines and unexploded ordnance. source-Yemen - Severe weather and floods (DG ECHO, UN, INGOs, Red Cross) (ECHO Daily Flash of 31 March 2026) - Yemen | ReliefWeb

At the same time, the UN (FAO) warns that Yemen is facing both flash floods and ongoing drought. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned of the risk of flash floods in Yemen that could damage more than 400,000 hectares of agricultural land, in addition to potential losses of large numbers of livestock. In a recent bulletin issued on 31st March 2026, the organization stated that the period between March and May 2026 may witness heavy rainfall, increasing the likelihood of floods originating in the highlands and flowing into valleys and low-lying areas. Source-FAO Warns of Potential Flooding in Yemen Threatening Over 400,000 Hectares of Farmland - Yemen Monitor

Yemen: Health Cluster Partners per Governorate (February 2026)

Health Cluster — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:50:30 +0000

Country: Yemen