A new report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) has revealed that Yemen has made no measurable progress in reducing multidimensional poverty over the past ten years, despite international aid efforts and humanitarian interventions.

The report, released on June 28, 2025, states that Yemen continues to face alarmingly high levels of poverty, with the multidimensional poverty rate hovering between 37% and 38% from 2013 to 2023. The intensity of poverty—which measures the degree of deprivation—remained consistently above 50%, reflecting the deepening humanitarian and economic crisis caused by the ongoing conflict.

ESCWA attributed the stagnation to the protracted war that began in 2015, which has devastated infrastructure, displaced millions, disrupted food systems, and severely weakened state institutions. The report also highlighted a sharp increase in food insecurity, particularly in rural areas, where 51% of the population suffers from hunger-related deprivation.

While some indicators, such as access to clean water, electricity, and education, showed modest improvements, the report noted a sharp decline in asset ownership and a slight rise in child mortality rates, from 5.80% in 2013 to 5.93% in 2023.

ESCWA called for urgent international cooperation to address the root causes of poverty in Yemen, emphasizing the need for conflict resolution, development aid, and investment in maternal and child health, sanitation, and food security. The report also recommended expanding access to digital banking and microloans to help vulnerable populations adapt to worsening economic conditions.