IDPs facing international neglect

Following intermittent clashes between Al-Houthi groups and the Yemeni government in July 2009, the situation in Sa’ada governorate escalated into open conflict in the sixth round of hostilities since 2004. Tens of thousands of people were displaced from Sa’ada and Amran governorates, adding to those displaced by previous rounds of fighting. For many, it was their second or third displacement over the last few years.

In February 2010 a ceasefire put an end to hostilities; however intermittent violence has continued in affected governorates. As of July, approximately 342,000 were registered as internally displaced people (IDPs), and more than 800,000 people had been indirectly affected by the conflict, including communities hosting IDPs and residents who had lost access to basic services. The governorates of Sa’ada, Amran, Hajjah and Al Jawf were particularly affected. Only about 15 per cent of IDPs were gathered in camps or identified informal settlements.

IDPs’ returns have remained limited due to a wide range of protection and humanitarian concerns in their places of origin, as well as doubts over the durability of the ceasefire.

In the meantime, limited and inconsistent access continues to place obstacles on humanitarian activities, particularly those in favour of IDPs living in host communities and most IDPs in Sa’ada. The international community’s limited response to appeals for funds is also having a severe impact on the provision of assistance to IDPs.