Hostilities take heavy toll on Yemeni civilians: UN

UNITED NATIONS - Hostilities spreading across Yemen are taking a devastating toll on struggling families, and relief agencies are ramping up aid for refugees arriving in Djibouti, UN humanitarians said on Thursday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the toll on civilians in Yemen is rising and the need for access to those who need assistance has become even more acute.

The UN Human Rights Office verified 55 civilian casualties in 19 incidents as of Wednesday in the governorates of Taiz, Al Hodeidah, Marib and Lahj since early in the month. Women and children accounted for 84 percent of the casualties. The actual toll is likely much higher.

"Access and funding constraints continue to hamper the humanitarian response," OCHA said. "Security incidents affecting humanitarian premises, supplies and movements are hindering operations. Humanitarian partners have 15,000 emergency kits ready to distribute. But road closures mean most of them cannot reach those who need them."

The Mokha seaport in southwestern Yemen was closed after sustaining significant damage, and the World Food Programme reported disruptions at 17 frontline distribution points.

The United Nations and its humanitarian partners report reaching more than 70,000 displaced people with assistance, including rapid response kits addressing some immediate food, water, sanitation and hygiene, and protection needs, as well as cash.

On Tuesday, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund released 9 million US dollars for displaced families and the communities hosting them. However, because the 2026 Yemen humanitarian needs and response plan is barely 20 percent funded, the partners have had to reduce life-saving assistance even as communities are desperate for more.

Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that across the Red Sea, the Djibouti government and UN teams are seeking 10 million dollars to assist up to 10,000 people over the next six months, following the sharp increase in arrivals from Yemen.

Dujarric said that more than 2,800 men, women and children have reached the Obock region after crossing the Bab al-Mandab strait.

"You can imagine how perilous that crossing can be," he told a regular briefing. "We, together with the Djibouti authorities and our humanitarian partners, are providing reception, registration, food, shelter, water, and health care and protection services."

He said the World Food Programme distributed 12,000 rations of high-energy biscuits, while the UN Refugee Agency supports registration and logistics. The UN Children's Fund also deployed personnel.

OCHA called on all parties to protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law and facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access so that the United Nations and its humanitarian partners can reach people who need urgent assistance.