Humanitarian Relief for Yemen

YRRF January - June 2023 Updates 

March 2023 marked 8 years of a deadly war on Yemen that has left millions living under extreme man-made economic deprivation. Yemen is still facing one of the world’s worst modern humanitarian crises, with over 80% of the population in need of humanitarian aid. While Yemen is still in need – now, more than ever – the international community has fallen short of raising critical funds to support basic humanitarian needs. YRRF has also been forced to cut the scope of many of our programs, due to a lack of funding and donations. Despite the funding challenges, we continue to undertake our mission of supporting relief and reconstruction efforts in Yemen. 

Ramadan Food Basket Distribution 

YRRF distributed about 6000 food baskets, which will support over 36,000 individuals. 90% of Yemen’s food is imported, and with an ongoing blockade limiting supply and driving up the prices of basic staples, putting food on the table is out of reach for millions of Yemenis. 

Eid al-Adha Meat Distribution 

During Eid al-Adha (Celebration of the Sacrifice) in June 2023, YRRF distributed meat to about 2000 families across Yemen. For many of these families, Eid al-Adha is one of the few times of the year these families can eat meat. 

Orphan Support 

Despite making cuts to our programs, YRRF continues to support 300 orphans with monthly funding to support their  basic needs such as food, shelter, education, and healthcare. It is estimated that over 1.2 million children in Yemen have been orphaned over the past 8 years, and this number is likely to be an underestimate. The drawings below were all made by some of the orphaned children that YRRF supports.

In addition to supporting these 300 orphans, YRRF supported a child with acute medical needs, supplying a new glass eye, glasses and eye medications. 

Malnutrition Centers 

The war on Yemen has particularly devastated the development of children. It is estimated that one in five children under the age of five are acutely malnourished in Yemen. YRRF is establishing five centers across Yemen that serve children with severe malnutrition. Two – one in Aden and one in Hajjah – are already active, and three more in Lahj, Hodeidah and Hajjah will be starting services this month. The centers are expected to serve an average of 350 children per month. 

Water Filter Distribution 

Over 18 million people in Yemen lack access to clean water, putting them at an elevated risk of contracting waterborne diseases like cholera. YRRF distributed 750 water filters across Yemen to increase access to reliably clean drinking water.

What You Can Do 

Until there is a just and lasting peace, we will continue to undertake our humanitarian relief efforts. If you are able to, you may make a Zakat-eligible donation anytime on our website or on our GlobalGiving page at any time. Another equally important way to help is to share our work with your friends and family. Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and share our updates.