The conflict in Yemen began in 2015 and shows no sign of easing. Compounded with other crises, such as a cholera epidemic, famine and now Covid-19, it has been one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world for years. More than 24 million people – about 80% of the population – are in need of humanitarian assistance.
With $4.2 billion needed in 2019, Yemen became the largest humanitarian operation in history. However, despite its scale, a perception survey conducted by UNICEF highlighted dissatisfaction of the surveyed population with the response. Approximately half the surveyed population indicated that their priority needs were not being met and only 2% said that they were mostly satisfied with what they were receiving.
This study explores how and to what extent collective approaches to communication and community engagement have – or have not – been implemented in Yemen, and the degree to which they have been effective in ensuring that the humanitarian operations are people-centred and responsive to the needs of affected communities. It examines these issues from the perspectives of international humanitarian actors and local NGOs, local humanitarian actors and Yemenis.