UN refugee agency warns of worsening crisis affecting over 65,000 refugees in Yemen - Anadolu Ajansı
The UN refugee agency warned Friday of a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation affecting more than 65,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Yemen, as intensifying fighting, economic hardship and restrictions on humanitarian access leave thousands struggling to survive.
"UNHCR is alarmed at the rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis," spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh told reporters in Geneva, citing insecurity, dwindling resources and rising prices.
He said conditions were particularly concerning at Kharaz refugee camp in southwestern Lahj governorate, which shelters approximately 9,500 refugees from Somalia and Ethiopia.
Although no refugee casualties have been verified, shelling near the camp has disrupted essential services and restricted movement. Schools have closed, while legal assistance and documentation services have been suspended.
Saltmarsh said some families were fleeing toward southern areas, including Aden, using roads frequented by parties to the conflict and exposing themselves to further danger.
Since fighting escalated in August, UNHCR has helped approximately 600 Somali refugees return voluntarily from Aden to Mogadishu on three flights. More than 1,100 others have expressed interest in returning, but continued attacks and insecurity have complicated further operations.
Meanwhile, over 134,000 asylum seekers and migrants arrived in Yemen by sea during the first nine months of 2026, an increase of approximately 22% compared with the same period last year.
Saltmarsh recalled that at least 139 people reportedly died off Djibouti in October while attempting to reach Yemen.
He added that more than 280,000 Yemenis had been displaced in the past month, while UNHCR's humanitarian appeal for the country was only 19% funded.
Regional shipping disruptions have further complicated aid deliveries, although the agency has secured free transportation for 11 containers of emergency supplies from Dubai to Yemen.
