Yemen: Escalating fighting and mass displacement put civilians at grave risk

We, the undersigned aid organisations operating in Yemen, are deeply concerned by the sharp escalation in fighting across Taiz and the West Coast since 3 September and its mounting humanitarian impact, including civilian casualties and mass displacement.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Displacement Tracking Matrix, displacement in Yemen has reached 85,818 people, including 82,164 displaced since the beginning of September alone. More than 2,000 people fleeing the hostilities have also reached Djibouti.⁴

The humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains one of the largest in the world. Renewed fighting risks worsening conditions for civilians and further constraining the ability of aid organisations to deliver critical services.

More than a decade of conflict has left 22 million people, over half the population, in need of humanitarian assistance.¹ Millions already face hunger, displacement and limited access to basic services.

Clashes have intensified across several of Yemen’s frontlines, many of which had remained relatively stable since the 2022 UN-brokered truce.

Fighting has escalated rapidly along the West Coast and South Taiz frontlines. OCHA has reported civilian casualties, including children.² IOM reports that Taiz is the hardest hit by new displacement, with nearly 56,000 people displaced, followed by more than 19,000 in Lahj, more than 8,000 in Al Hodeidah and more than 2,500 in Aden.⁴

The escalation follows weeks of renewed hostilities in Marib, Taiz and Al Hodeidah, which displaced more than 162 households during August, according to OCHA.³

Families are fleeing in extremely difficult conditions, with some who have already been displaced by conflict now facing the prospect of being forced to flee again. Fighting near displacement sites and along routes used by civilians is creating serious protection risks for people on the move.

Women and girls, particularly pregnant and breastfeeding women; children, including unaccompanied and separated children; older people; people with disabilities; and people living with chronic illnesses may face heightened risks, including difficulties accessing safe shelter, healthcare, sanitation and other essential services.

Humanitarian organisations are providing lifesaving support, but insecurity and access constraints are making it harder for civilians to flee safely and for aid workers to reach everyone in need. Delivering essential goods to sustain humanitarian operations is already challenging amid regional instability and related supply-chain disruptions, and the recent escalation may further complicate these efforts.

Additional flexible funding is urgently needed to address emerging humanitarian needs, particularly emergency shelter, food assistance, water, sanitation and hygiene, healthcare, nutrition, mental health and psychosocial support, education and protection, while safeguarding the continuity of existing services.

Every Yemeni life is precious and must be protected. All parties to the conflict must respect and uphold international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure safe and sustained humanitarian access. After years of suffering, Yemen’s people cannot endure further civilian harm and displacement.

We urge all parties and the international community to use available diplomatic channels to support an inclusive, Yemeni-led political process aimed at ending the conflict and achieving lasting peace in Yemen.

Sources

1. OCHA, Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2026 (March 2026). https://yemen.un.org/en/312711-ocha-yemen-yemen-humanitarian-needs-and-response-plan-2026-march-2026
2. OCHA, Escalation of hostilities and mass displacement in Maqbanah and Jabal Habashi districts, Ta’iz Governorate (as of 5 September 2026). https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/yemen/yemen-flash-update-escalation-hostilities-and-mass-displacement-maqbanah-and-jabal-habashi-districts-taiz-governorate-4-september
3. OCHA, Situation Update: Marib, Al Makha, and Taiz areas (as of 22 August 2026). https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/yemen/yemen-situation-update-marib-al-makha-and-taiz-areas-22-august-2026
4. IOM, Yemen Displacement Tops 85,000 as Conflict Continues, 2,000 Flee to Djibouti (13 September 2026). https://www.iom.int/news/yemen-displacement-tops-85000-conflict-continues-2000-flee-djibouti