Yemen’s Displaced Population Faces Famine Risk as UN Cuts Aid

Authorities in Marib, Yemen, have raised concerns over potential famine affecting thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) after the UN decided to cut humanitarian aid due to funding shortfalls. Abd-Rabbu Meftah, the province’s deputy governor, indicated that over 60% of Yemen’s IDPs in Marib might face starvation if the UN does not reinstate its relief efforts. Recent reports have identified malnutrition cases in displacement camps, with local officials stating that over 2 million people, accounting for more than 60% of Yemen’s displaced, currently reside in Marib and are in desperate need of basic necessities.

Further exacerbating the situation, the World Food Programme (WFP) revealed plans to reduce food aid in Yemen in the upcoming months due to funding constraints. This reduction could affect millions, including those dependent on WFP’s malnutrition prevention activities and School Feeding program. Richard Ragan, WFP’s Yemen representative, acknowledged the dire consequences of these aid cuts. Meanwhile, the Saudi aid organization, KSrelief, is stepping in to distribute food parcels in Marib and other Yemeni provinces to address the gap created by the UN’s aid reduction.