UNHCR warns of the threat of Corona to the 3.6 million displaced people in Yemen
English - Sunday 29 March 2020 الساعة 03:52 pm
Aden, Newsyemen:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned of the dangers facing the Yemeni people, especially the displaced, against any possible spread of the Coronavirus at a time when the country is still suffering a worsening humanitarian crisis and a deteriorating health sector due to the repercussions of the five-year war.
UNHCR spokesman Andrej Mahecic said at a press conference held today at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva "After five years of conflict, Yemen remains the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with more than 24 million people in need and over 3.6 million people displaced,".
He added, "The protracted conflict in Yemen has led to the displacement of thousands of people from their homes in recent weeks," warning at the same time that prolonged displacement would exacerbate the difficulties and risks faced by Yemeni families.
According to data from the International Organization for Migration, the escalation of fighting in the governorates of Al-Jawf, Ma'rib and Sana'a in northern Yemen since January has led to the displacement of more than 40,000 people to the city of Ma'rib and its surrounding areas, east of the capital, Sanaa.
Mahecic explained during the conference that a number of deserters, including women and children, told the UNHCR that they had no other choice but to flee on foot or walk for days without food or water and across vast deserts, noting that the new arrivals are part of the 750,000 displaced people who They are now hosted in Ma'rib Governorate.
"After years of protracted conflict, the displaced communities and their hosts are struggling to survive," he added.
A UNHCR spokesperson pointed out that with the continued flow of thousands to the city of Marib and the surrounding areas in search of safety, humanitarian needs are rapidly accumulating while essential services and assistance are operating beyond their capacity.
"Public services, including hospitals and schools, are struggling to deal with the growing population," he said.
"Many of the displaced live in Marib in crowded and temporary locations, with some families sharing only one tent among themselves, while others are sheltering to unfinished buildings," he said, stressing that residents face difficulty in accessing clean water and adequate sanitation.
A UNHCR spokesperson revealed that dozens of families share a single toilet in the camps for the displaced in Marib.
In addition, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed concern that displaced communities and their hosts will be exposed to increased risks in the event of an outbreak of the Corunavirus, due to their precarious situation and poor living and hygienic conditions.
"Despite the tremendous efforts made by humanitarian partners on the ground, given the magnitude of the crisis, food is still an urgent need for displaced families," It added.
"Some mothers are considering sending their children to work or beg in the streets to make ends meet," the UN commission said.
In a statement, UNHCR said that many internally displaced people had to flee their homes without taking any property or even identity documents - including the birth certificates of their children.
It stated that now, without legal documents, many of them cannot enroll their children in school, or access basic services, including health care, while others find themselves at risk of being evicted from housing.
UNHCR indicated that it is cooperating with the International Organization for Migration and other United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners to provide vital assistance to these displaced people, pointing out that UNHCR has so far, through its partners, reached more than 5,000 displaced families in Marib and provided them with household assistance, including This includes tents, blankets, mattresses and cooking utensils, while additional distributions will take place in the coming days.
UNHCR confirmed that it supports its partners and efforts to prevent and prepare for the prevention of corona in camps for the displaced, in conjunction with the implementation of national plans to address the Coronavirus, which includes Yemeni displaced persons and foreign refugees.
"UNHCR and its local partners engage the refugee and internally displaced communities so that they can better understand the risks and protect themselves," the statement said, adding that "UNHCR is also distributing hygiene kits and increasing cash assistance so that refugees and displaced persons can purchase food and basic materials to help meet urgent needs."
"All of this depends on the security situation and whether it provides the humanitarian partners safe and unimpeded access to the Yemenis in need," the commission added.
"UNHCR reiterates that only a peaceful solution to the conflict can stop more suffering and the need for humanitarian assistance in Yemen," the UNHCR concluded its statement.
