Yemen Displacement Response Consortium launches new EU-funded humanitarian action

The Yemen Displacement Response (YDR) Consortium has launched a new humanitarian action supporting over 321,000 people across 11 governorates in Yemen, backed by a 9.5 million EUR allocation from the European Union for 2026, according to a press release by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC). The initiative comes amid escalating conflict that has displaced over 200,000 people in just a few weeks. It is led by DRC in partnership with Acted, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The action targets displaced families and host communities facing intensifying humanitarian needs. It aims to deliver integrated, coordinated support in some of Yemen’s most vulnerable areas.

Yemen remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crises, with more than 5 million people currently displaced across the country. Millions more depend on humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs. Recent fighting has forced families to flee, often for the second, third, or even fourth time. Many now face inadequate shelter, limited access to essential services, and increasing exposure to climate-related shocks such as flooding. Since the beginning of the war in 2015, the EU has contributed almost €1.6 billion to respond to crises in Yemen.

The new action will improve living conditions and strengthen resilience through site management, shelter, water and sanitation, protection, disaster preparedness, and emergency response interventions. It builds on the consortium’s previous EU-funded phase, implemented between July 2023 and July 2026, which supported more than 242,000 displacement-affected people across over 200 displacement sites. Communities benefited from improved site management, shelter support, water and sanitation services, legal assistance, education activities, and disaster preparedness initiatives. The consortium also supported local leadership structures that help communities identify priorities collectively. Funding shortages continue to pressure humanitarian services, making coordinated responses increasingly important.

“As the war in Yemen resurges, the European Union remains unwaveringly committed to those most affected. Partnering with the YDR Consortium with a new allocation for 2026, we deliver together safe shelter, clean water, sanitation, and essential protection to ensure dignity for vulnerable populations, while providing rapid aid to the newly displaced,” said Daniela D’Urso, the EU Humanitarian Aid Head of Yemen Office. She commended local and international partners and staff for carrying out critical fieldwork despite the high risks. Anwar Ali, Country Director for DRC in Yemen, noted that sustained humanitarian support is essential as recent escalations continue to drive new displacement. He emphasized the consortium’s work to secure life-saving assistance and dignified living conditions. Ahmed Salem, displaced from Al Mocha to Lahj, expressed gratitude for shelter provided to his family.

YDR partners will continue expanding the implementation of the Area-Based Site Management (ABSM) where feasible and appropriate. The consortium works alongside communities, local authorities, and humanitarian partners to address immediate needs while strengthening resilience and supporting longer-term solutions. The action reflects the consortium’s continued commitment to delivering coordinated, accountable, and community-centered assistance. It is funded by the European Union through the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department (ECHO). The YDR Consortium remains committed to improving living conditions and supporting more sustainable solutions to displacement across Yemen.