Yemen conflict sparks competition over limited resources among displaced people and locals

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Displacement Camps in Yemen Face Severe Living Conditions

Seiyun, Yemen - The Maryamah camp, one of several internally displaced person (IDP) camps in Seiyun, Yemen’s eastern Wadi Hadramout province, has been experiencing severe living conditions due to reduced aid and a domestic economic crisis. The camp, which houses approximately 4,899 displaced households, was once supported by consistent humanitarian aid from international agencies.

However, over the past four years, funding cuts have significantly reduced aid to the camp. Ali Sagher Shareem, a 51-year-old resident of the camp, reported that his family’s displacement occurred at a critical time. “I heard there used to be aid here in the past,” he said. “Since I arrived, I have not received anything.”

Shareem and his family share a small shelter made from wooden beams and tarpaulin sheets. The local economy has also suffered, with many residents relying on casual work outside the camp to supplement their income. Shareem stated that if he finds work, his family eats; otherwise, they go hungry.

Residents of the camp report worsening conditions by the day. Deadly clashes between the Yemeni army and Southern Transitional Council (STC) separatist forces in December further exacerbated the situation. When summer arrives, temperatures average 40 degrees Celsius, with prolonged power cuts making it difficult for displaced families to cool their tents.

Shareem’s wife has medical conditions that require regular hospital visits and medicine prescriptions, adding to the family’s mounting costs. Other displaced families are making difficult decisions, such as pulling their children from school or skipping meals, due to extreme food insecurity.

Mohammed Mohammed Yahya, an 80-year-old resident of the Tihama region in Hajjah province, has been living in the camp for six years. He reported that the power cuts and lack of natural light make his shelter unbearable during rainy days. Yahya has resorted to selling timber from inside the camp to buy basic necessities.

The situation at Maryamah camp highlights the dire consequences of reduced aid and a domestic economic crisis on displaced families in Yemen.

Source: Al Jazeera