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- ‘Many families have had to flee more than once, each time facing the struggle to find somewhere safe to stay and access the support they need,’ IOM’s chief of mission in Yemen says
By Rania Abushamala
ISTANBUL (AA) - More than 268,000 people have been displaced inside Yemen since July amid escalating conflict between government forces and the Houthi group, while thousands have fled by sea to Djibouti, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.
The UN agency said in a statement published Sunday that the figure was recorded as of Oct. 23, with almost all those affected were displaced since the beginning of September.
Escalating conflict in western Yemen has also driven people beyond the country’s borders. As of Oct. 17, at least 3,836 Yemenis had arrived in Djibouti, half of them children, including 282 under five.
Most reported fleeing worsening insecurity, with several boats reportedly coming ashore short of their destination after running out of fuel, the IOM said.
Separately, the organization recorded 1,327 migrants crossing by sea from Yemen to Djibouti as they returned toward their countries of residence.
Inside Yemen, families are increasingly seeking safety farther south. The number of displaced people in Aden has more than doubled since Oct. 7 to over 42,000, while Lahj hosts around 67,000.
The IOM said displaced families have taken shelter in 62 districts across 10 governorates, as far east as Al Maharah.
“The scale and speed of this displacement is leaving families in desperate need of help, and our response is struggling to keep pace,” said Abdusattor Esoev, IOM’s chief of mission in Yemen.
“Our teams are reaching people every day, but funding is falling far short. Without urgent support, more families will go without assistance that could save their lives.”
Many face difficulties accessing clean water, health care and basic services amid severe fuel shortages and soaring food and medicine prices.
Families are sheltering in overcrowded public buildings or sleeping outdoors, often without adequate sanitation, IOM said.
Women, children, older people and people with disabilities face heightened protection risks, while humanitarian access restrictions in Taiz continue to delay aid delivery.
“Many families have had to flee more than once, each time facing the struggle to find somewhere safe to stay and access the support they need,” Esoev said.
“Support must reach both displaced families and the communities hosting them now, before more lives are put at risk.”
IOM urged donors to increase support and called on all parties to protect civilians and humanitarian workers and ensure safe, unimpeded access to those in need.
Yemen has been engulfed in conflict since the Houthis seized Sanaa and several other provinces in 2014, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene in March 2015 in support of the internationally recognized government.
The Houthis control much of northern and western Yemen, while government forces and their allies hold Aden and large parts of the country’s southern and eastern provinces.
Rania R.a. Abushamala
