UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Continued hostilities and large-scale displacement are deepening the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, particularly in Taiz governorate, UN humanitarians warned on Monday.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that 216,000 people have been displaced nationwide since the start of August, including more than 172,000 people from Taiz alone, citing the International Organization for Migration.
As of Monday, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners have reached some 143,000 people with emergency assistance including food, hygiene kits, and cash assistance. However, growing needs, access constraints and limited resources continue to challenge the humanitarian response, said the office.
The United Nations is particularly concerned about Taiz, where restrictions on key roads are reportedly disrupting civilian movement, commercial supplies and humanitarian access, said OCHA.
"Authorities have warned that continued road closures, including along the Taiz-Aden road, are affecting the availability of food, fuel, water and medical supplies," the office said. "They also reported sharp increases in commodity prices and growing fuel shortages, threatening the continuity of essential health and water services."
OCHA said that inadequate shelter, unsafe sanitation facilities, food insecurity and limited access to health care are exposing displaced women and girls to heightened risks of violence, exploitation and abuse. Across Yemen, funding cuts mean that 72 percent of women and girls' safe spaces have closed. In addition, 73,000 dignity kits are urgently needed to support displaced women and girls.
Civilian casualties continue to rise. According to figures from the UN Human Rights Office, OCHA said that since the start of August, at least 54 civilians have been killed, half of them children. A further 171 civilians have been injured, including 107 women and children.
OCHA said it continues to work with partners to monitor displacement, assess emerging needs and coordinate the response. The United Nations reiterated its call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, facilitate the safe movement of civilians, and allow safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to people. ■
