Yemenis Have Had Enough: All Guns Must Be Silenced

February 24, 2023

A civilian building hit by an airstrike in Aden, Yemen. Credit: Hajer Naili/CIVIC

The Hague, NL, February 24, 2023 – As the humanitarian crisis persists in Yemen, efforts to end the nearly 9-year long conflict must be redoubled. Ahead of the high-level pledging conference for the humanitarian crisis in Yemen to be held on Monday 27 February in Geneva, Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) calls on parties to the conflict and the international community to strive to reach a political settlement that is inclusive and respected by all parties in every part of the country.

Dina El Mamoun, CIVIC’s Country Director in Yemen, said:

“Even though no major escalation has been recorded since the end of the truce in October 2022, the clock is ticking in Yemen. Fear and uncertainty have defined the lives of millions of Yemenis. As long as parties to the conflict refuse to lay down their weapons once and for all to work together to build a safe and peaceful Yemen, the risk of re-escalation prevails.

“Civilians close to the frontlines, such as in Marib, Hudaydah, and Taiz, continue to suffer from armed clashes and strikes. In Yemen, women, men, and children, have been displaced multiple times, and the likelihood of them returning home is slim as the conflict drags on.

“While Yemen has been labeled as one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, the country is also one of the world’s most dangerous places for civilians. When the threat doesn’t come from the sky in the form of a missile or a drone, it comes from under their feet as landmines and other remnants of war are scattered across the country.

“There is simply no more time to waste, and all statements of good intentions must now be turned into actions to bring peace and safety to Yemenis.”

CIVIC in Yemen:

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) has been in Yemen since 2018. Through its programs and advocacy efforts, CIVIC has engaged with various key actors, including security forces and local communities, to prevent and reduce civilian harm.

Facts and Figures:

In March 2023, the conflict in Yemen will enter its 9th year since its escalation in 2015.
The 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan for Yemen (HRP) requires US$ 4.3 billion to reach the 17.3 million most vulnerable people in need.
In 2023, an estimated 17 million people need humanitarian aid and protection services in Yemen. More than half (51%) of them are children under 17.
About 5 million people have been internally displaced since 2015. Yemen is the 6th largest internal displacement crisis in the world.
Women and children represent up to 80% of the total displaced population.
An estimated 7 million children are out of school, of which 47% are girls.
The Global Peace Index 2022 ranked Yemen as the second least peaceful country in the world, behind Afghanistan.
Water and land conflict is the second biggest cause of conflict. It is estimated that 4,000 people are killed every year in conflicts over land and water.