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The ICRC in Yemen
01-10-2011 Overview
The ICRC is working hand in hand with the Yemen Red Crescent to respond to medical and other needs stemming from the unrest in Sana'a and other major cities in Yemen. Although violence has decreased in the north, many displaced people are reluctant to return, and they and their host communities remain dependent on aid. The ICRC continues to help civilians affected by several rounds of armed conflict that have left tens of thousands vulnerable in the north, lacking food, water, and basic medical care. In the south of the country, sporadic clashes have displaced thousands of people.
In 2011, the ICRC and the Yemen Red Crescent Society (YRCS) have stepped up their efforts into responding to the needs arising from the ongoing conflicts and armed violence around the country. With the aim of providing life-saving assistance as effectively as possible, the ICRC trained over 500 YRCS staff and volunteers working in emergency response to build up their first-aid capacity and communication activities, to help gain safer access to victims. The YRCS was also given material and equipment to treat the wounded, including first aid kits , tents for medical posts and an ambulance. Similar support was provided to hospitals and first-aid posts.
In the north of the country, the February 2010 ceasefire ended months of hostilities between Yemeni government forces and Houthi fighters in the northern provinces of Sa’ada, Amran and Al-Jawf. The fighting took a heavy human toll and destroyed homes, farms and vital public services. Entire communities fled to safer areas, many into camps set up by the ICRC and the YRCS.
By October 2010, although some of the displaced had decided to return to their homes, thousands remained in camps or with relatives, totally dependent on outside help. Those who have returned face an almost impossible task in resuming their normal lives because of the destruction and insecurity; they also rely on outside help. The ICRC and the YRCS continue their assistance operations in certain areas.
In the south, where periodic fighting between government forces and armed groups intensified in August 2010, thousands of people fled to safety from the towns of Louder and later Al-Hota. Some found refuge with family and friends, others with local communities. ICRC and YRCS teams installed water tanks for the displaced and continued to monitor developments. In May 2011, thousands of new displaced persons arrived in Aden and elsewhere after fighting took place in Abyan.
Apart from its help to victims of conflict, the ICRC and YRCS help separated family members stay in touch. Anxious families, for example, are able to contact relatives who are held in Afghanistan, Iraq and at the US detention facility at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, through Red Cross Messages and phone calls. Refugees and asylum seekers in Yemen are offered the same services.
The ICRC resumed its visits to detainees in Yemen in July 2010, after an interruption of several years, to assess their conditions of detention and their treatment. Findings and recommendations are discussed solely with the detaining authorities in line with standard ICRC procedures. The ICRC is also able to provide emergency assistance for migrants who are in custody while awaiting deportation. It has supported a YRCS initiative to arrange vocational training for women prisoners, to help their reintegration into society after release.
In order to spread understanding of its mandate and way of working, and to encourage respect for humanitarian rules, the ICRC has intensified its networking with authorities and with religious and military leaders in all areas. This networking takes the form of workshops, seminars and less formal contacts. Target audiences also include members of the legal profession, tribal leaders and journalists.
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