Catastrophic famine threatens conflict-affected Yemen

Since the escalation of the conflict in Yemen and the imposition of the blockade in March 2015, access to food, fuel and other essential supplies has deteriorated. Today, half the country's population - nearly 13 million people - are struggling to find food for the day. Half of them are now at risk of starvation. The poorest country in the Middle East is now facing a serious famine disaster.

"Since the escalation of the conflict, the number of people unable to eat is increasing by almost 25,000 a day. As long as the warring parties continue to ignore all calls for a permanent ceasefire, more and more people will go hungry. Those who survive the bombs must now try to survive without food," said Philippe Clerc, Oxfam's country director in Yemen.

Saada in the north is the worst affected region. There, almost 80% of the population does not have enough food to eat. Half of them are at risk of starvation.

The lack of food has pushed prices out of reach for millions of people. Data collected by Oxfam in Hajjah shows that families displaced from their homes are forced to sell their belongings at low prices to buy food and other essential supplies. Of the families interviewed by Oxfam in Saana, 60 percent said they had to beg or shine shoes to earn a living. Many people are also completely dependent on help from non-governmental organizations.

Even before the escalation of violence in Yemen, the country had widespread problems with malnutrition. In recent months, only 20% of domestic food needs have been met and an additional 650,000 pregnant and lactating women have been affected by malnutrition.

"After several failed peace negotiations and an ineffective UN resolution, the warring parties, with the help of the Security Council, must negotiate a long-term peace. The US, UK and Iran should also use their influence over the warring parties to push for a permanent ceasefire. If the world continues to turn a blind eye to the suffering of the civilian population, we will indirectly contribute to it," said Clerc.

Short facts:

• From the end of March to the end of June, the number of people with limited access to food increased by over two million people from 10.6 to 12.9, representing almost 25,000 people a day.
• Yemen is one of the least self-sufficient countries in the world, with up to 90% of all food consumed being imported.
• At present, there are no resources available to produce many of the crops consumed in the country.
• Even before the conflict escalated, the country had the second highest level of malnutrition in the world.
• Oxfam has been working in Yemen for over 30 years, focusing on food security and poverty reduction.
• Since the conflict escalated, Oxfam has been able to reach over 100,000 people with clean water, sanitation, food and livestock, among other things.