The Yemeni Civil War, which started in 2014, has caused an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The war has been devastating for the country, leading to widespread destruction of infrastructure, social systems, and economic structures. One UN estimate suggests that nearly 80% of the country's population is currently in need of some form of assistance.

The impact of the war has been particularly severe on the country's food systems, leading to widespread malnutrition and hunger. The fighting has damaged local infrastructure, making it difficult for aid organizations to deliver essential supplies such as food, medicine, and clean water to those in need. This has resulted in a significant rise in preventable diseases, particularly among children.

As a result of the conflict, education prospects in Yemen have also been severely impacted. Many schools have been destroyed, and the ones that remain open face a severe shortage of resources, including books, teaching materials, and qualified teachers. This has led to a generation of children missing out on vital education opportunities and potentially facing long-term consequences.

The scale of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen is staggering. According to the United Nations, 21.6 million people in Yemen require humanitarian assistance. Of this number, 12.9 million are children, who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the conflict. The situation in Yemen is a tragic reminder of the devastating human toll that conflict can have, particularly on the most vulnerable members of society.

How did it get so bad?

Violence in Yemen escalated sharply in March 2015, escalating unemployment, food insecurity, and insecurity for civilians. The destabilizing effects of this conflict has also made it that much harder to get humanitarian aid into the country.

What’s being done

UNICEF is on the ground to save children’s lives, to help them cope with the impact of conflict, and to help them to recover and resume their childhoods. Read more about UNICEF’s work and results in the country, and how you can help.