New York City: The United Nations has reported that renewed hostilities in Yemen have displaced over 290,000 people since early August, with no indication of a ceasefire in sight. Among the newly displaced are approximately 6,100 pregnant women, including 600 who are due to give birth within the coming two weeks, heightening concerns over maternal health risks.
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has responded by deploying mobile medical teams and midwives to displacement camps, while also distributing essential maternal healthcare supplies. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized the urgent need to support vulnerable populations, particularly women and children affected by the ongoing instability.
The escalation in violence has further strained resources for refugees and asylum-seekers already residing in Yemen. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates that more than 65,000 individuals—many from Somalia—are facing a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, compounded by soaring food and fuel costs and disrupted access to basic services. Since August, UNHCR has facilitated the voluntary repatriation of over 600 Somali refugees.
Humanitarian organizations have reached nearly 249,000 displaced persons with critical aid, including food, hygiene kits, and emergency cash assistance, according to Dujarric. Efforts are underway to expand these operations, though access remains constrained in active conflict zones.
In a renewed appeal, the UN urged all warring factions to uphold international humanitarian law, protect civilian lives and infrastructure, and permit unhindered humanitarian access to ensure aid reaches those most in need.
These recent displacements compound an existing crisis: over 5.2 million people were already internally displaced in Yemen prior to the latest outbreak of violence. Additionally, thousands have crossed the Red Sea toward Djibouti in search of safety.