The ICRC in Yemen

Section

The ICRC in Yemen

©ICRC / J. Björgvinsson / ref. ye-e-00086

The ICRC, working with the Yemeni Red Crescent Society, assists people affected by the fighting in the north of the country, which has displaced tens of thousands of people. Although many have returned home, they continue to need help, particularly with medical care, basic relief items and clean water.

Through its tracing services, the ICRC helps to restore contact between asylum seekers and refugees and their relatives back home; it enables Yemeni families to maintain ties with relatives held in detention abroad. The ICRC has visited two detainees who were brought to Yemen from Guantanamo Bay and hopes to resume visits to prisoners throughout Yemen.

The ICRC promotes the knowledge of international humanitarian law, its integration into national law and its incorporation into the teaching and training programmes of schools and universities and the armed and police forces.

The ICRC first worked in Yemen during the civil war in the 1960s.

Presence (2008): 52 staff, including 11 expatriates

ICRC film

3-5-2006

Family messages, a lifeline in Yemen

Its been over four years since the first prisoners were moved to US place of detention in Guantanamo Bay. In many cases, the only contact between the men and their families is through censored letters passed on by the ICRC and Red Crescent. It is little enough but the messages bring hope and comfort to a number of families in Yemen who are desperate for news.

(Info resources\ICRC publications and films\Films\From the field)

ICRC film Includes Video

Operational update

8-8-2008

ICRC needs better access to people affected by conflict in northern Yemen: June 2008

Insecurity and fierce fighting in the northern governorates of Yemen have had a dramatic effect on the civilian population in recent months, forcing more people to flee the area.

(The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Yemen)

Operational update

5-5-2008

Yemen: ICRC activities September 2007 to March 2008

Many parts of Sa'ada governorate in Northern Yemen have not yet recovered from four years of conflict between the Yemeni armed forces and fighters of the "Believing Youth". More than 100,000 people are still living with the consequences of the conflict and need humanitarian assistance. The ICRC maintains its presence in the governorate and continues to operate in affected areas in cooperation with the Yemen Red Crescent Society (YRCS).

(The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Yemen)

Operational update

10-10-2007

Yemen: ICRC activities June to August 2007

Most of the people displaced by this year’s fighting between the Yemeni army and the Believing Youth in the region of Sa’ada have started to go home. However, even after their return, they will still be dependent on humanitarian aid until they are able to stand on their own feet.

(The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Yemen)

Operational update

26-6-2007

Yemen: ICRC activities January to May 2007

In the Sa'ada region of North Yemen, confrontations between government forces and the Believing Youth resumed in January 2007. The fighting often takes place near inhabited areas. As a result, thousands of families were forced to leave their homes in search of safe haven.

(The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Yemen)

Operational update