© UNHCR/E. Hockstein

UNHCR is closely following developments in Yemen’s south-east Shabwa governorate where fighting between government forces and militants this month has forced civilians to flee the area. There are concerns about the security and safety of the civilian population affected by the current conflict in Mayfar district. 

The agency’s estimate is that the ongoing clashes have so far forced at least 4,000 Yemeni civilians to leave their homes in Al-Hawtah village and surrounding settlements, 400 kilometres east of Aden. Reports indicate that displacement continues to grow. Most of the displaced have sought safety and shelter in the neighbouring villages of Al-Azzem, and Al-Kharamah. UNHCR’s reception centre in Mayfa’a, where new arrivals from the Horn of Africa are registered and temporarily sheltered, is 30 kilometeres away.

UNHCR’s local NGO partner reported from Al-Azzem village that displaced people are sheltering with host families. According to reports, some of the displaced are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance - primarily food, shelter and medical supplies. The local authorities have opened the village school, which is now accommodating up to 60 displaced people.

As part of the UN team in Yemen, UNHCR remains in close contact with the authorities - which have already begun distributing aid. A rapid UN assessment mission has been initiated that will establish more accurately the size of displacement and immediate needs. UN agencies have at the ready assistance for around 2000 people in the Mafya’a reception centre.

168,000 Somali refugees have been registered by UNHCR in Yemen. In addition, more than 304,000 Yemeni civilians continue to live in displacement following the seven month conflict in northern Yemen which ended in February this year.