Mwatana Launches a Field Study on the Displacement Crisis and the Suffering of Internally Displaced Persons in Yemen

In a statement announcing the launch of its field study "Unsafe Havens" on the displacement crisis in Yemen, Mwatana for Human Rights stated that displaced persons are subjected to multiple violations by all warring parties. These violations include forced displacement, attacks on civilians and civilian objects in IDP camps, restrictions on freedom of movement, property looting, mistreatment, hate speech, verbal abuse, arbitrary detention, raids and searches of displacement sites, among other abuses.

Mwatana emphasized that its latest study sheds light on the displacement crisis in Yemen, its underlying causes, and the diverse forms of suffering endured by displaced persons. It characterizes this crisis as one of the most catastrophic humanitarian emergencies arising from the armed conflict and extensive military operations that have engulfed the country since September 21, 2014.

Radhya Al-Mutawakel, Chairperson of Mwatana for Human Rights, said:

"The number of displaced persons in Yemen reflects the disregard of warring parties for civilians and the international laws and regulations governing armed conflicts. The ongoing violations against displaced persons in IDP camps and shelters further underscore this neglect."

She added:

"Hundreds of thousands of displaced persons in Yemen live under harsh conditions and enduring suffering, amidst a humanitarian response that is immediate, limited, and marked by randomness. This occurs alongside a complete disregard by the warring parties and de facto authorities across various governorates for their responsibilities to protect the displaced, facilitate their return to their homes and livelihoods, ensure their rights, and uphold their dignity."

Mwatana explained that its study, "Unsafe Havens," covers the period from September 2014 to November 2024. The study is based on field data collected using a scientific methodology and multiple data-gathering tools, including in-depth interviews, observations, focus group discussions, and more.

The study focused on several key themes, foremost among them the causes of displacement, the violations displaced persons face from various parties to the conflict, and the abuses committed by members of host communities against the displaced. It also examined the conditions of displaced persons in IDP camps and centers and the availability of services in these locations. Additionally, the study analyzed the direct impacts of displacement on host communities, evaluated humanitarian response mechanisms for assisting the displaced, and explored the challenges or restrictions imposed by warring parties on the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Mwatana stated that the study targeted displaced persons residing in IDP camps and shelters, excluding those living in homes and integrated into host communities. The sample consisted of 400 displaced households across 68 displacement sites (60 camps and 8 shelters) in 12 Yemeni governorates under the control of various parties to the conflict, namely Amanat Al-Asimah (Sana’a), Al-Jawf, Al Hudaydah, Ibb, Abyan, Aden, Sana’a, Taiz, Hadhramaut, Amran, Lahj, and Marib.

Mwatana called on all warring parties to comply with the rules and principles of international humanitarian law and cease all violations against civilians, including displaced persons. The organization urged an immediate end to all forms of racial discrimination against civilians—foremost among them, displaced persons—and to halt all threats, abuses, and violations that drive civilians into internal displacement.

It also reiterated its call for warring parties, particularly the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group, to clear and remove landmines, unexploded ordnance, and other remnants of war. Mwatana emphasized the importance of facilitating demining operations conducted by humanitarian organizations to mitigate risks and enable the safe, voluntary return of displaced persons to their areas of origin.

The organization further called on the international community, including the United Nations, influential states, and international organizations, to support and promote peace efforts in Yemen and push for a final ceasefire. Mwatana stressed the importance of prioritizing human rights, transitional justice, and accountability in peace efforts to ensure redress for civilian victims, including displaced persons, and to provide them with justice and restitution.