Stories

Yemen remains one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. With deteriorating food security, soaring malnutrition rates, and recurring epidemic outbreaks, the country is on the brink of collapse.

After more than a decade of war, Yemen’s Taiz governorate remains severely affected by violence, displacement, and poverty. In districts such as Mawza and Al-Maafer, families face rising prices, lost livelihoods, and few income opportunities.

Jacques David, a Regional Information Officer, is currently based in Ammann, covering Armenia and Azerbaijan, Moldova, Türkiye, Ukraine and Yemen for the European Union’s humanitarian aid office.

In the peaceful yet sombre confines of his home in Lahj, Yemen, 25-year-old Khaldoon reflects on his crutches — an ever-present reminder of a life transformed by tragedy.

The 10-year long war took a heavy toll on Yemeni people. Now, amidst an even larger crisis affecting the entire Middle East region, they are caught between a rock and a hard place.

After a decade of civil war in Yemen, millions of lives have been devastated, leaving over half the population struggling to find their next meal. For Abdulaleem, a father of 6, this harsh reality is a daily battle.

A number where anyone anywhere can reach emergency services at all times of day and night seems evident since Europe adopted 112 as its emergency number in 1991. But that’s not the case everywhere.

In 2022, the EU and its Member States were among the leading donors of humanitarian aid in the world.

After 7 years of war, Yemen remains one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The EU works with humanitarian partners to ensure aid is delivered to those who need it most.

Like millions of Yemenis, Aisha was driven from her home by a missile attack. She will never forget the chaos and panic of that day when she had to take her grandchildren to safety.

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At 11, Molouk, married and divorced within the space of 4 months.

To help people displaced by the conflict purchase what they need to start over, the EU and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are distributing cash assistance.

Now in its 9th year, and despite conditions resembling a truce, the conflict in Yemen remains unabated. However, this has not deterred migrants, mostly from Ethiopia, from taking their chances crossing Yemen on their way to Saudi Arabia, even if most of them never make it there.

On their way to Saudi Arabia, migrants from the Horn of Africa are on an arduous journey.

“The things we learn in this programme may seem pretty basic for health workers, but I know that this knowledge and skills will make a huge difference for the people of my village!” says Maria Mohamed.

Aisha and Na’aem have been through a lot together. Growing up in the city of Al Hodeidah in western Yemen, they were forced to flee 3 years ago when conflict flared.

After more than 8 years of conflict, we remain committed to the humanitarian response

Rehman* was married off to an abusive man at age 15. “During our year of marriage, I lived a very hard life full of violence and abuse,” she says now living as a displaced person in the governorate of Hajjah.