Local Editor
UNHCR is bracing for further displacement and a spike in humanitarian needs as hostilities intensify in frontline areas on Yemen’s west coast. This follows the recent fighting in the capital, Sana’a, and neighbouring governorates.
“Over the past few days, UNHCR has received reports of new displacement from Hodeida and Taiz governorates,” said UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch during a press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva Friday. “More than 1,400 people have fled from Taiz and Hodeida to the Ash Shamateen district in Southern Taiz, and Al Fayoosh district in Lahj. With numbers expected to rise further.”
Baloch added that “the blockade of Yemen, which has yet to be fully eased, has also resulted in scarcities and subsequent price increases for fuel, water and essential commodities, including food and vital medicines. This has hit many displaced and local Yemenis as well as refugees.”
Restrictions on both commercial and humanitarian goods reaching Yemen are still in place. The UNHCR official added added “vessels are facing delays and, as result of these new clearance processes, there is currently no more space at the port.”
The UNHCR has asked the authorities to expedite clearances for humanitarian cargo, especially perishable goods such as medicines.
Assistance and services for conflict-affected and displaced communities across Yemen have also been interrupted.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by Website Team
