Yemen is experiencing the largest humanitarian crisis globally, with approximately 21.6 million people, or two out of every three Yemenis, in need of humanitarian assistance and protection services. The primary driver of this crisis is severe food insecurity. The country’s living conditions continue to deteriorate due to a fragile economy. In 2022, the depreciation of the Yemeni rial (YER), macroeconomic instability, and the separation of economic institutions worsened vulnerabilities among low-income families, significantly reducing household purchasing power. Yemen’s heavy reliance on imported food and goods makes it highly susceptible to global price fluctuations. The crisis in Ukraine has exacerbated these challenges, increasing food prices by nearly 50% in some regions of Yemen.
The conflict has not only displaced millions but has also severely restricted access to essential services and commodities. Health facilities are overstretched and under-resourced, lacking the necessary supplies and personnel to handle the overwhelming demand. The education system has been disrupted, with many schools damaged or repurposed to serve as shelters for displaced families, depriving children of their right to education.
Moreover, continuous violence has hindered agricultural production, leaving farmers unable to cultivate their lands, further exacerbating food shortages. The environmental impact of the conflict, including the destruction of water infrastructure, has led to severe scarcity of clean drinking water, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera.
Humanitarian aid efforts are often hampered by logistical challenges and security concerns, making reaching the most vulnerable populations difficult. Blockades and checkpoints disrupt the flow of aid, while the ongoing conflict poses a constant threat to the safety of aid workers. Despite these obstacles, organizations strive to deliver life-saving assistance, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and sustained international response.
The protracted crisis in Yemen calls for urgent and coordinated efforts to address the root causes of hunger and instability. Strengthening the economy, improving food security, and restoring essential services are critical to alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people. International support must be intensified to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need and to work towards lasting peace that will enable Yemen to rebuild and recover from years of devastation.
Human Concern International (HCI) is a global charity with a substantial presence in Yemen’s region. HCI mobilizes resources to help manage and address various crises’ impacts, including implementing challenge-specific solutions in collaboration with local partners.
HCI works to address the root causes of poverty and hunger in the countries it intervenes in, including Yemen. In Yemen, HCI implements various programs to improve food security, nutrition, and livelihoods for vulnerable communities.
One of HCI’s successful projects, recently implemented in Yemen, aimed to empower and sustain communities. This project provided vocational training to 150 individuals and distributed comprehensive nutritional food packs monthly for 12 months. The beneficiaries included 150 households that received vocational training and 50 other households with members unable to attend the training due to different abilities. This initiative is a beacon of hope, demonstrating the potential for positive change in Yemen.
The training programs were meticulously assessed, designed, and planned to align with each beneficiary’s needs, abilities, and skills. The specific training programs were as follows:
The success of this project lies in its comprehensive approach: not only did each family receive vocational training tailored to their skills and interests, but they were also provided with extensive and nutritious food for 12 months, ensuring their basic needs were met. Each family received a monthly e-voucher for 12 months, allowing them to shop at designated nearby and accessible stores. They could select items according to their tastes and needs for the month. Each beneficiary was individually assessed and enrolled in a suitable training course, receiving the necessary toolkit to apply their new skills. Additionally, they received a transportation incentive for the duration of their training, further supporting their participation. Furthermore, they were connected with the market to secure employment opportunities. As a result, 150 families in Yemen have become self-sufficient and sustainable, generating income to support their daily livelihoods.
For the remaining 50 families, HCI plans to provide continued support whenever and wherever possible, assisting them in finding sustainable solutions to ensure their self-sufficiency.
This project ensured that beneficiaries were actively involved in the planning and design process. Their needs and preferences were considered, and they were given the opportunity to choose their training courses and food items. This approach respects the dignity of the beneficiaries and makes them feel that their needs are being considered and respected.
This project aligns with the principles of zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, which mandates Muslims to give a portion of their wealth to those in need. Here’s how the project meets the zakat criteria:
Human Concern International is the oldest Muslim relief organization in Canada, fighting poverty for over 40 years.
We are a registered charity with the CRA. Charitable Registration No. 107497125 RR 0001