Yemen: A forgotten war and humanitarian crisis

The country in southern Arabia, bordering Saudi Arabia to the north, Oman to the northeast, the Red Sea to the west, the Gulf of Aden to the south, and the southeastern part of the Arabian Sea to the east, sharing maritime borders with Eritrea, Djibouti and Somalia across the Horn of Africa—yes, it is Yemen, experiencing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in modern history.

Over 18 million people, so almost half of the population, depend on humanitarian aid to meet “basic survival needs”. The port of Hodeidah, which serves as a critical entry point for essential supplies, has been repeatedly disrupted by military actions, including airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas. These disruptions have further exacerbated the already dire situation for Yemen’s civilians.

Civilians bear greatest burden

Despite the scale of this crisis, Yemen is at risk of being forgotten on the global stage. The world cannot allow this tragedy to slip into obscurity. Millions of lives, especially those of women and children, depend on urgent attention and action to address their suffering.

Malnutrition and preventable diseases such as cholera, malaria and measles remain widespread, with millions of people affected in Yemen. Health care facilities across the country are in an almost complete state of collapse, facing shortages of electricity, medical supplies and clean water. Many families are left with impossible choices as they struggle to obtain food, clean water, and access to healthcare, all of which are increasingly scarce due to ongoing conflict and blockades.

Women and children are disproportionately affected by this humanitarian catastrophe. Mothers often cannot access the medical care they need for themselves or their children, resulting in preventable deaths from malnutrition, infections, and lack of adequate health care. Children face a bleak future, with malnutrition severely stunting their growth and development. Those who survive face psychological trauma from constant violence, displacement, and the loss of family members.

The airstrikes conducted by Israel, often framed as acts of self-defense, have led to the deaths of a significant number of civilians, including women and children who bear no responsibility for the ongoing conflict. These casualties cannot be justified, neither legally nor morally, as innocent lives are lost in the process. Similarly, the attacks by groups in Yemen targeting Israel, which are widely recognized as disproportionate, have also resulted in civilian deaths. It is an undeniable reality that no civilian death, regardless of the party responsible, can ever be deemed acceptable.

Children’s education is another major casualty of the war. Schools have been destroyed or repurposed for military purposes, leaving millions of children unable to access basic education. Without access to schooling, these children are vulnerable to exploitation and recruitment into armed groups, depriving them of a chance to escape the cycle of poverty and violence. The destruction of educational opportunities not only robs children of their potential but also jeopardizes Yemen’s future, as an entire generation grows up without the tools needed to rebuild the country.

The violence also impacts women in deeply troubling ways. Displacement, unsafe living conditions, and the lack of access to essential resources have left many women at risk of gender-based violence. They are often the ones tasked with keeping their families together in the face of extreme adversity, but the lack of support systems leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

Humanitarian challenges amid escalating conflict

The humanitarian situation has worsened due to escalating violence, with airstrikes and other military actions targeting essential infrastructure, including ports, airports, and transportation networks. These attacks have hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid and restricted access to food and medical supplies. The destruction of critical facilities has made it nearly impossible for aid organizations to reach those in need, leaving millions of people in desperate conditions.

The Houthis, also known as Ansarallah, have intensified their role in regional conflicts as part of Iran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance”. Their actions, including missile and drone attacks on Israel and targeting of commercial shipping routes, have delayed international relief efforts and contributed to global instability. Yemen’s strategic location along key maritime routes such as the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait has further complicated the delivery of aid, as these areas have become militarized zones.

Both the Israeli airstrikes and the retaliatory attacks from Yemen-based groups have claimed civilian lives. These actions whether justified under self-defense or not exceed the bounds of proportionality, resulting in the deaths of innocent people. Women and children, who hold no responsibility in these conflicts, are the ones who suffer the most. International humanitarian law clearly emphasizes the protection of civilians, and the continued violation of these principles by all parties is unacceptable.

These escalating military actions have sparked debates over international responses, including the U.S. President Donald Trump’s designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). While some argue that such designations hinder peace talks and humanitarian efforts, others view them as necessary to counter the group’s growing influence and attacks on global interests. Regardless of the political debates, the impact of these decisions on Yemen’s civilian population has been devastating, as the ongoing conflict diverts attention and resources from the urgent humanitarian crisis on the ground.

The principles of international humanitarian law, particularly proportionality and the protection of civilians, have been routinely violated in Yemen. Civilians, who should never be targeted under international law, remain the primary victims of this conflict. Independent investigations into civilian casualties and the destruction of infrastructure are critical to holding parties accountable and preventing further harm to Yemen’s population.

A call for global action

The suffering of Yemen’s women and children demands immediate international attention. Humanitarian organizations have faced significant challenges in delivering aid due to blockades, targeted attacks on aid workers, and a lack of cooperation from the conflicting parties. These obstructions have worsened food insecurity, left many without medical care and exacerbated already catastrophic living conditions.

To address the crisis, the international community must prioritize opening and protecting humanitarian corridors, allowing for the unimpeded flow of essential supplies. All parties involved in the conflict must adhere to humanitarian principles and facilitate the delivery of aid without obstruction. Independent investigations into civilian casualties, attacks on critical infrastructure, and violations of international law are essential to ensure accountability. Such measures can also pave the way for a more sustainable resolution to the conflict.

It is critical that Yemen does not fade into obscurity as just another forgotten crisis. The suffering of millions, especially women and children, must remain a global priority. Ignoring Yemen will not only worsen the current crisis but will also contribute to long-term instability in the region.

The ongoing suffering in Yemen is not only a humanitarian tragedy but also a stark reminder of the consequences of political and military agendas that disregard civilian well-being. Those in control of Yemen, particularly the Houthis, often align their actions with regional conflicts such as the situation in Gaza enclave of the occupied Palestine.

An immediate and coordinated global action is needed to alleviate the suffering of millions in Yemen. Ensuring access to essential resources, upholding humanitarian principles and holding all parties accountable for their actions are critical steps toward restoring stability and offering hope to Yemen’s civilians. Without such efforts, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen will only worsen, leaving the country’s most vulnerable ones, the women and children, to suffer the greatest consequences.

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About the author: Yildiz Gumus is a researcher and freelance writer with a focus on politics and international relations.