As 2021 came to a close, Yemen remained one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with some 20.7 million people in need of some form of humanitarian assistance or protection. The country situation, which is primarily driven by conflict and an economic blockade, has been exacerbated by COVID-19, heavy rains and flooding, escalating hostilities, currency collapse, decreased government capacity and access challenges.

Yemen also remained the fourth largest displacement crisis in the world with an estimated 4 million internally displaced people. The conflict intensified in Marib, Al Jawf, Al Bayda, Shabwah, Taizz and Al Hudaydah Governorates, challenging a sustained humanitarian response and resulting in aggravated needs and further displacement. Some 153,000 people were displaced across the country in the course of 2021, with nearly 100,000 of them being displaced in or to Marib Governorate. UNFPA has been at the forefront of the humanitarian response in Marib. Through the UNFPA-led Rapid Response mechanism in partnership with WFP and UNICEF, emergency relief was provided to nearly 100,000 displaced individuals in Marib.