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Hunger Increases in Houthi-Controlled Areas: Soaring Unemployment and Food Prices

Yemen Monitor/ New York/ Exclusive:

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization’s Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) reported this week that the number of Yemenis in dire need of urgent food assistance is projected to surge to 19 million by next year.

Meanwhile, a group of over 10 countries issued a statement warning about the impact of climate change on Yemen’s humanitarian situation, already exacerbated by the war waged by the Houthis against the legitimate government since 2014.

They stated that this dire humanitarian situation in Yemen is compounded by climate change-related risks, such as rising temperatures, droughts, desertification, as well as irregular rainfall patterns and flash floods. The countries warned that Yemen is already one of the world’s most water-scarce countries.

In its food security outlook for Yemen until May 2025, the network reported that households continue to face the long-term impacts of the protracted conflict, including extremely poor macroeconomic conditions. The business environment, it said, continues to erode due to currency shortages in Houthi-controlled areas, while areas under the internationally recognized government are experiencing currency depreciation and inflation.

The network also revealed that crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse outcomes are expected to persist nationwide, with peak assistance needs reaching 18.0-18.99 million during the lean season of February and March in the highlands, before the start of the next agricultural season in the upland areas.

It added that millions of households, especially in Houthi-controlled areas, are expected to face persistent food consumption gaps due to extremely poor economic conditions characterized by currency depreciation, high food prices, and a lack of income-earning opportunities.

Concurrently, the UN affirmed that a multi-sectoral rapid response mechanism led by the UN Population Fund, in collaboration with the World Food Programme, UNICEF, and other humanitarian partners, plays a pivotal role in addressing urgent needs arising from conflict and climate-induced disasters in Yemen.

It stated that since January 2024, approximately 489,545 people have been displaced due to armed conflict and severe weather conditions. Of these, 93.8% (459,347 individuals) were severely affected or displaced by climate-related crises, while 6.2% (30,198 individuals) were displaced due to conflict.

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