Humanitarian coordinator concerned about Amran clashes

The United Nations in Yemen is concerned about the situation in Amran Governorate, where clashes between armed tribesmen of the Usaymat tribe from Al-Ashah District and Izar tribesmen from Al-Qaflah District, in Danan village have reportedly killed 90 people since mid-August and affected hundreds of families. “I would like to urge the parties to the clashes in Amran to seek a peaceful resolution of on-going conflicts, respect civilians and observe their legal obligations in situations of conflict,” said Ismail Ould Chieck Ahmed. ”Continued conflict puts civilians at risk and could lead to displacement of a large number of civilians.” On 5 August, one person died in clashes in which heavy weapons were reportedly used at the traditional Thursday Market area (Souk Al Khamis). Property was lost and residential houses destroyed. Sources say hundreds of families have been displaced from their homes and now live either in neighbouring districts or with relatives. Another 100 families have reportedly been displaced in Al-Ashah District, at the border of Al-Ashah and Al-Qaflah Districts. Sporadic clashes intensified in Danan, which borders Sa’ada, on 26 August and have continued since. Two attempts at mediation by local leaders from the Hashid and Baqeel tribes have so far failed. The two affected districts have an estimated population of 9,400 families. “An escalation of the situation could block access to those affected,” the Humanitarian Coordinator warned. “We are currently assessing needs in conjunction with the Government, and some humanitarian assistance has already been provided. But there is also a need to provide food and hygiene kits, shelter and emergency medical assistance.” Yemen has made some political gains in recent months, especially with the on-going National Dialogue process, but continues to face a precarious humanitarian situation. The general situation is characterised by extreme poverty, volatile food and commodity prices, unemployment, violence and insecurity, displacement of civilians, lack of basic services including health services and disruptions in livelihoods by localised conflicts. These challenges can only be resolved through long-term efforts to reduce chronic vulnerability through recovery and development. Humanitarian partners are working with the Government to respond to the needs of millions of affected people, but lack adequate funds. The 2013 Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan, which requires US$703 million to deliver to one third of the Yemeni population a range of emergency and early recovery activities, is currently only 44 per cent funded.