Intense fighting in Yemen between government forces and Houthi rebels along the southwestern coast has forced over 184,000 people from their homes since the start of August. The majority of these displaced individuals were forced from their residences since early September.
During the week leading up to 3 October, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) recorded nearly 21,800 people who had experienced displacement at least once. Furthermore, an additional 6,474 people were displaced on 4 October.
The IOM Director General Amy Pope called upon the international community to take further action to secure humanitarian access. An IOM assessment conducted in Ma’rib determined that the lack of safe shelter represented the most pressing concern.
Approximately 45 per cent of households assessed reported prior displacement, resulting in the loss of assets and livelihoods. The UN World Health Organization (WHO) reported more than 5,100 casualties since 6 August.
Specifically, the WHO documented 959 deaths since 6 August. Cholera cases have seen a threefold increase over several weeks.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed the return of one of its staff members who had been held against their will in Yemen. WFP also expressed solidarity with the 72 UN personnel and five former UN personnel who remain detained.
Farhan Haq stated that the UN will continue pursuing every possible route to secure the immediate and safe release of all detained UN and other humanitarian personnel in Yemen.
