Delivering H2O to Displaced Individuals in Yemen
In the war-torn country of Yemen, more than four million people are refugees in their own land, living in extremely difficult conditions since 2015 [1]. Amidst the ongoing conflict and weakened infrastructure, efforts are being made to improve basic services and living conditions for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Yemen's Lahij governorate.
Current humanitarian projects in Lahij are primarily focused on water provision and mine clearance. Solar panels are installed where necessary to address power supply issues for the functioning of water pumps [2]. Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam has cleared over 507,000 mines since 2018 across Yemen, including Lahij, removing 1,151 explosive devices in various regions recently [3]. This not only contributes to safer access to villages, roads, and schools for civilians but also aids in the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Water supply initiatives have also been implemented, with nearby governorates like Lawdar and Mudiyah benefiting from efforts supported by the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) to install water wells, boreholes, and tanks [2]. These sustainable water projects are likely to inform similar needs in Lahij, where water services remain inadequate and are critical for displaced and host communities.
However, challenges remain. Internally displaced people face risks from explosive remnants, gender-based violence (GBV), and limited security [4]. Organizations like Altwasul and UNFPA conduct protection assistance and GBV safety audits to better understand and address these risks [3][4]. Decades of conflict have damaged infrastructure and reduced access to health, education, water, and sanitation [5]. Sustainable development projects are slowly improving conditions but many IDP communities remain underserved.
Effective response requires engaging local authorities and communities to sustain interventions. There is ongoing emphasis on inclusive, people-centered approaches to ensure that vulnerable groups (women, children, disabled) are considered in program design and execution [3].
In the Lahij governorate, Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and People In Need (PIN) are working together to improve the living conditions of IDPs. One of their successes includes the restoration of a drinking water well in Al-Anad, providing clean water to around 200 households and soon to reach 3,200 [6]. Despite these efforts, basic services such as schools, hospitals, water distribution systems, electricity supply, and waste disposal are barely functioning due to lack of public funding [7].
In summary, while mine clearance and water infrastructure projects demonstrate concrete improvements in Lahij, significant challenges related to security, protection, and basic service availability persist for Yemen’s displaced populations. Continued humanitarian and development efforts focusing on safety, water, and inclusive community engagement are central to advancing living conditions in Lahij and similar frontline areas.
References:
[1] UNHCR (2021). Yemen Situation. Retrieved from https://www.unhcr.org/news/latest/2021/4/606998434/yemen-conflict-forces-millions-flee-homes-remain-displaced-years.html
[2] Qatar Red Crescent Society (2021). Yemen. Retrieved from https://www.qrcs.org.qa/en/our-work/yemen
[3] UNFPA (2021). Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan 2021. Retrieved from https://www.unfpa.org/yemen/humanitarian-response-plan-2021
[4] Altwasul (2021). Yemen. Retrieved from https://www.altwasul.org/yemen
[5] World Health Organization (2021). Yemen. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/emergencies/yemen
[6] Welthungerhilfe (2021). Yemen. Retrieved from https://www.welthungerhilfe.de/en/countries/yemen
[7] People In Need (2021). Yemen. Retrieved from https://www.peopleinneed.de/en/countries/yemen/
Nutrition in the Lahij governorate is a pressing concern considering the lack of basic services like hospitals. Organizations working there, such as Welthungerhilfe and People In Need, may need to broaden their focus to include health-and-wellness initiatives, ensuring that internally displaced people have access to balanced diets and healthcare services.
Ongoing humanitarian projects in Lahij are instrumental in improving living conditions, but they must expand to address all essential aspects of health and wellness to ensure that internally displaced people are receiving the holistic support necessary to build healthier lives in their own land amidst the continuing conflict.
