Yemen Facts

1) The Background of the conflict in Yemen

The Yemen conflict, with its roots in a multifaceted interplay of historical, political, economic, and regional factors, traces back to the historical division between North and South Yemen, unified in 1990 under Ali Abdullah Saleh but marked by persistent tensions. The Arab Spring in 2011 fuelled demands for political reforms, leading to Saleh's resignation in a transitional plan. Nonetheless, the political landscape remained unstable, marked by longstanding grievances, economic disparities, and governance issues. This backdrop set the stage for a power struggle and armed conflict, especially from mid-2014, when Houthis and allied forces seized control of the Yemeni capital Sana’a and large parts of the country. The ensuing military violence prompted a Saudi-led coalition intervention in support of the government, escalating significantly in 2015. The conflict continues till today and is referred as the worst conflict since the Second World War. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen is a result of this protracted conflict, marked by airstrikes, blockades, and a collapsing economy that has accelerated the collapse of essential basic services and institutions, causing widespread suffering among the civilian population in Yemen. The situation further deteriorated in 2024–2025 as Red Sea tensions and cross-border strikes escalated and humanitarian access shrank in parts of the north.

2) The Consequences of the Conflict

The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, marked by widespread displacement, food insecurity, and a collapsing public system that provide healthcare, water, sanitation and education. Agricultural activities, trade routes, and food supply chains have been disrupted, and food, fuel and medicines prices are spiking because of limited availability. Yemen ranks 186 out of 191 countries on the Human Development Index (2022). The United Nations and partners report a deepening humanitarian emergency in 2025 Yemen Humanitarian needs and response plan 2025:

19.5 million people in Yemen, including 15 million women and children, are in need of humanitarian aid and protection.
More than 4.8 million individuals, have been displaced since 2015, making Yemen the fifth largest displacement crisis in the world. People had to flee their homes and relocate to other areas known for poor living conditions.
The current level of hunger in Yemen is unprecedented and despite ongoing humanitarian assistance, 17.1 million Yemenis (49%) are food insecure. Malnutrition rates among women and children in Yemen remain among the highest in the world, with 55% of children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition.
Yemen is one of the world’s most water-scarce countries, conflict has had a strong impact on the access to water and adequate sanitation services for the Yemeni people: more than 17 million people do not have access to enough water to cover basic daily needs and are in urgent need of water, sanitation and hygiene assistance.
Food insecurity and recurring disease outbreaks strains the country’s healthcare system. In addition, across Yemen, 46% of all health facilities are only partially functioning or completely out of service due to shortages of staff, funds, electricity, medicines, and equipment.
Women and girls have been disproportionately affected by the conflict. Negative gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes, a discriminatory legal system, and economic inequality have compounded women’s vulnerability to violence. 6.19 million of women and girls face gender-based violence (GBV) risks, with 90% of rural areas lacking GBV services
3.2 million children are not attending school in Yemen due to the ongoing conflict. And with a declining economy, many of them are now having to find work to help support their families.

Information about the situation in Yemen

INFORMACE O DĚNÍ V JEMENU

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