© UNHCR/Mahmoud Fadel


Yemen can’t wait A window into the world’s


worst humanitarian crisis By Jean-Nicolas Beuze, as told to Lauren La Rose


After completing his post as UNHCR Canada Representative, Jean-Nicolas Beuze assumed his new role this year as UNHCR’s Representative in Yemen, where more than 80 per cent of the population depend on humanitarian aid for their daily survival. After five years of conflict, he explains how COVID-19, severe weather and a funding shortfall have deepened the impact of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.


Can you describe how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected refugees and internally displaced people in Yemen?


With half of the health facilities destroyed by the war, most families do not have the resources to buy food or medicine. With the recurrent cholera and malaria cases, the already extremely vulnerable population just cannot protect itself from COVID-19. How can any of the 3.6 million Yemenis displaced by five years of conflict practice social distancing when they live in temporary shelters or under plastic sheeting and tents provided by UNHCR. Many lack access to running water or soap to wash their hands regularly. In these circumstances, UNHCR assistance and protection of the most vulnerable become even more critical.


Can you describe the impact you’ve seen on the ground as a result of the extreme weather?


Over the last three months, seasonal torrential rains and flash flooding across Yemen have hit more than 300,000 Yemenis. The displaced families assisted by UNHCR have seen their temporary shelters and the few belongings they have, washed away. Once again, they need to start from scratch. Our UNHCR kitchen sets, mattresses or shelter kits are a lifeline for these families.


What impact has the ongoing conflict in Yemen had in UNHCR’s ability to deliver humanitarian aid?


Despite repeated calls for ceasefire and an end to the conflict, the fighting and bombing continues. More and more civilian women and children fall victim to the conflict. Access to civilians to assess their needs and provide them with life-saving assistance is a daily challenge. Ensuring that civilians have safe passage and feel protected from the impact of the conflict is a key aspect of UNHCR advocacy work in Yemen. UNHCR and humanitarian partners are on the ground, protecting and helping populations to survive and be more resilient.


What kinds of resources and supplies are most needed right now on the ground?


UNHCR has had to prioritize our response, targeting the most vulnerable only and for essential life-saving interventions. More sustainable and dignified solutions for shelters are critically needed to help families regain a sense of normalcy in their lives. Increasing the number of beneficiaries of our cash assistance program would avoid so many displaced and refugee families having to resort to reducing their food intake or living in unsanitary conditions.


Some refugees have been discriminated against due to their status in accessing livelihoods, opportunities or health services. UNHCR’s cash program has never been so important to ensure that most vulnerable displaced families survive during this pandemic.


What can Canadians do to help support the work of UNHCR and the Yemeni population?


Yemen seems, at times, like a lost cause. So complex — with no end in sight.


But I also know that every dollar counts. And what we need now is additional financial support so that we can do more of what we know needs to be done.


Despite all the challenges linked to operating in a conflict and a COVID-19 environment, we know how to save lives and help internally displaced people and refugee families build their own resilience. But we need people to be given the means to do so. It is therefore critical that for those of you who can help further, you continue donating to UNHCR. It is equally important that you raise the profile of this forgotten crisis so that your government continues supporting our program in Yemen and elsewhere and champion the refugee cause.


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