The scars of war: Yemen's disabled
Iman, a young and beautiful bride from Aden, lost both of her legs after an explosion in Aden's Al-Basateen area. Her husband, who was with her at the time, died on the spot. "We tried to run away, but it was too late. Our lives changed forever in a split second."
This little girl's name is Hayat. It means "life" in Arabic, but at the age of three, little Hayat has experienced more sorrow than most adults. Her home in the Al-Qaflah area of Amran governorate was destroyed in an airstrike in October 2015. Her much-loved younger sister Dunia was killed. Hayat also suffered severe shrapnel injuries and her right foot was so badly damaged that it had to be amputated.
Ali Abduh Hizam, a 54 years old mathematics teacher, lost both of his legs in August 2015 in a major blast. At the time he was walking along with his brother in their neighborhood in Al- Kamb area of Taiz city. Ali smiles even when recounting his suffering and what happened to him. His smile reflects his hope for a normal life, once he is fitted with a prostheses. "I want to continue teaching new generations of students."
This is ten-year-old girl Kholoud Ali. She lost her left leg in a blast after her home was hit in November 2015. Her father and two sisters died on the spot. With the help of a prosthesis, Kholoud is now able to walk again. "I want to go to school and play with the kids in my village."
"I was at home with my mother-in-law, husband and six children when a shell hit our home." Her mother-in-law died in the blast, while her husband and six children were all injured. Salima lost her right hand and is now adjusting to carrying out all daily chores with her left hand.
Thabet had no idea of the danger when he walked one day in an open field in the area of Karesh of Lahj. Sadly he stepped on a landmine and his right leg had to be amputated immediately upon arrival to the hospital. Thabet will be fitted with a prosthesis soon. For the time being, he walks around with the use of crutches.
Thousands of people have lost limbs in Yemen since the conflict started in 2015. In fact, reports indicate that an estimated 6,000 people have been left disabled – most as the result of a blast, a mine or sustaining a gunshot.
Sadly, these injuries are becoming increasingly common in times of war.
Meet six Yemeni men, women and children injured in the conflict. In spite of their misfortune and pain, they are all determined to live a normal life and to hope for a brighter future – for themselves and their country.
Physical rehabilitation
The ICRC helps people with disabilities in Yemen through support to four Physical Rehabilitation Centres in Sana'a, Aden, Mukalla and Taiz.
In 2016, more than 25,400 people with disabilities have benefitted from our support to these centres – approximately 12,800 patients have received physiotherapy treatment, while more than 394 prostheses and nearly 5,977 orthoses have been produced.
