Restoring dignity through sanitation in displacement camps

One of the greatest challenges faced by displaced families is the lack of sanitation services, especially for the elderly, who struggle to move easily, as well as safe latrine sites for women and children.

In fact, Yemen remains gripped by one of the world’s most severe water and sanitation crises. Nearly half of the population—15.2 million people—lacks adequate sanitation services. With recent floods worsening the situation, already fragile infrastructures have been devastated, and waterborne diseases now pose a life-threatening danger.

Hodiedah and Hajjah governorates saw a sharp rise in acute watery diarrhea (AWD) in the first week of September, with cases increasing by 65 percent compared to August. (According to FEWS NET)

Health implications

Another challenge, Hussein notes, stemmed from the community’s conservative traditions, which made it difficult for women to repeatedly leave the camp at different times of day.

“It was considered inappropriate for women to walk around outside the shelter, and having them go out so often was something our community does not accept. But displacement forced us into situations we were not comfortable with because we simply could not afford to build a latrine.”

Before latrines were available, families were forced to relieve themselves in the open near their shelters, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Without safe containment of human waste, harmful bacteria spread easily through contaminated water, soil, and surfaces—particularly affecting children.

As a result, outbreaks of cholera, acute diarrhea, malaria, and other illnesses became widespread in the camp.

Humanitarian intervention

With support from the European Union (EU), the Danish Refugee Council (DRC)—a member of the Yemen Displacement Response (YDR) Consortium—constructed 146 latrines across four camps (Al-Radha, Al-Kataf, Hayjat Al-Battaria, and Dair Al-Sarh) in the Al-Battaria area of Abs District, Hajjah Governorate.

These latrines, equipped with handwashing facilities, provided safe and accessible sanitation for displaced families in Al-Radha Camp.

“Praise be to God, once the organisation built the latrines for us, we finally gained privacy,” Hussein says.

“Elderly people, children, and women no longer need to relieve themselves outside. Our safety has improved—we no longer have to walk under the scorching sun, hide behind trees, or worry about snakes. Foul odours and diseases such as cholera and malaria have significantly as hygiene conditions have improved.”

Today, Hussein and other camp residents feel that they have regained a measure of dignity and safety through access to clean, safe, and accessible latrines.

This simple yet transformative intervention has restored privacy, improved sanitation, and contributed to healthier and more stable living conditions for displaced and vulnerable families.