UN: Fighting in Yemen sparks displacement amid access constraints

The United Nations (ANTARA) - The United Nations humanitarian agency on Monday (14 September) warned that fighting in Yemen is forcing residents to flee, causing civilian casualties, and placing mounting pressure on already overstretched humanitarian operations.

Continued fighting in Yemen has displaced at least 125,000 civilians since the beginning of September, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA).

The UN office has verified 40 civilian casualties, with eight killed and 32 injured in the first two weeks of this month.

Women and children account for half of all deaths and more than half of the injured.

UN OCHA stated that the UN and its humanitarian partners continue to respond despite extremely difficult operating conditions, delivering assistance to thousands of households up until Saturday (12 September).

Nevertheless, supply stocks are at a very worrying level and funding falls far short of needs.

“Humanitarian access and movement remain severely restricted due to security factors,” the office said.

“Humanitarian movement to and within a number of locations on Yemen’s west coast remains suspended, while main routes are limited or impassable,” UN OCHA said.

UN OCHA also renewed its call on all parties to protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law, and facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access.