Yemen - Despite deteriorating security conditions in the south of Yemen, IOM teams are continuing to assist vulnerable internally displaced (IDP) households with shelter and non-food relief items in Aden and Abyan governorates.

In Aden, IOM has reached 60 households currently seeking refuge in public schools. It has also assisted 85 households living in open areas in Abyan. Humanitarian assistance continues to be hampered by lack of access due to ongoing armed clashes.  

“Although the security situation is very fragile, we are determined to continue assisting these internally displaced people. These families are in need of immediate assistance and we cannot leave them on their own, without any protection,” says Salama Mubarak, Head of the IOM sub-office in Aden.  

In Abyan IOM teams reached Alwadi, Makhzan and Amodia where 85 vulnerable families in need of shelter were currently living in open areas, with tree cover as their only protection.

In Aden, in addition to providing shelter and non-food items, IOM teams are continuing to provide water to the Médecins Sans Frontières trauma hospital, Basheeb hospital, Gamhoria hospital and the “22 May” hospital.  

IOM health teams are also working in other regions including Abyan, Lahj, Sana’a and Haradh. In Aden and Lahj, IOM health teams are based in the public health facilities where most of the causalities from ongoing clashes are being received.

IOM also continues to provide health care to Third Country Nationals (TCNs) at Al Basateen clinic in Aden, the IPNA clinic in Sana’a, and the MRC clinic in Haradh. The health teams in Sana’a and Haradh also conduct follow-up visits to migrants referred to hospitals.

The latest UN OCHA report quotes local sources indicating that are around 150,000 people that have been displaced recently, although the overall displacement estimates cannot be verified. Internally displaced families are reportedly mainly staying with relatives where possible, and in at least 24 schools.

For more information, please contact Bekim Ajdini at IOM Yemen,  Tel: +962 79 826 4 906,  Email: bajdini@iom.int