USAID/OFDA YEMEN FACT SHEET #2

The movement of humanitarian staff remains restricted to within a 7 km radius of Sa'ada city. As of July 23, the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that only 14,000 out of 324,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) had returned to areas of origin. IDPs cited destroyed houses, lack of employment opportunities, asset losses, and fear of hostilities as the major factors discouraging return. The U.N. World Food Program (WFP) and the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) report persistent food insecurity due to displacement, livelihoods disruption, and water shortages as a result of continued violence and limited humanitarian access. WFP will continue to provide food assistance for the coming months due to recent contributions by the U.S. and other donors, although additional funding is required to provide a full ration. WFP is currently providing half rations to reach a larger number of individuals with food assistance. A June joint rapid needs assessment conducted by humanitarian actors in Al-Malaheet town, Dhaher District, Sa'ada Governorate, and Sa'ada city indicated gaps in food assistance, education, nutrition, and health care, according to OCHA. In Al-Malaheet town, humanitarian agencies reported the presence of unexploded ordnance and landmines. In addition, conflict has damaged or destroyed approximately 80 percent of houses in assessed areas. Since July 7, USAID/OFDA has provided an additional $6 million to a total of five non-governmental organizations, U.N. agencies, and international organizations to meet the emergency needs of more than 340,000 individuals—the total IDP and returnee population—through the distribution of emergency relief supplies, as well as programs in health, nutrition, shelter, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). As of August 11, 2010, a total of 316,332 displaced individuals had been registered and verified, according to OCHA. The total registered returnees were 17,337, also according to OCHA. USAID/OFDA has provided $10,928,640 in assistance to Yemen, while USAID/FFP has provided $12,497,100, and State/PRM has provided $10,900,000, totaling $34,325,740 in humanitarian assistance to Yemen in FY 2010.