La crise humanitaire au Yémen s'aggrave d'heure en heure alors que le nombre de déplacés augmente

Security Council meets in emergency session as violence escalates in Yemen The United Nations Security Council convened in an emergency session on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, as rising violence in Yemen intensified, prompting urgent warnings about the humanitarian crisis unfolding across the country. Ongoing clashes between Saudi-backed Yemeni Government forces and Iran-backed Houthi militia have led to widespread displacement, with over 112,000 people forced to flee their homes in Aden, Hudaydah, Abyan and Ta’iz. The conflict has also triggered a surge in maritime crossings across the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with thousands seeking refuge in Djibouti. The situation has worsened dramatically in recent weeks, with the Houthis seizing several islands in the strait and intensifying military operations along Yemen’s western coast. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2,883 casualties have been reported since 6 August, while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that 93,864 people have been newly displaced. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, noted that the rapid escalation of hostilities has pushed thousands more to seek safety across the strait, putting additional strain on Djibouti’s already fragile infrastructure. The humanitarian impact has been severe. Nearly half of Yemen’s population of 41 million requires aid, with acute hunger persisting among millions. The WHO reported that seven health facilities and assets have been damaged or destroyed within ten days, severely limiting access to medical care. In Taiz, a woman with four young children gave birth in the open, lacking shelter, medical care, or basic necessities, according to IOM officials. Her family managed only to find a torn piece of plastic tarpaulin to cover their heads, highlighting the dire conditions faced by displaced families. The conflict has also disrupted vital humanitarian and commercial shipping routes through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, raising concerns about the potential impact on regional supply chains. The UN has warned that continued instability could further exacerbate the crisis, particularly for vulnerable populations already struggling with food insecurity and disease outbreaks. The situation has drawn sharp criticism from international bodies. Alessandra Vellucci, Director of the UN Information Service in Geneva, stated that the delivery of UN humanitarian assistance in Houthi-controlled areas has become “untenable,” citing the detention of 73 UN personnel by the Houthi authorities, some since 2021. Additionally, five former UN staff and dozens of personnel from NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions remain in custody. The UN human rights office, OHCHR, called on all parties to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access. The displacement crisis has also placed immense pressure on local communities in Djibouti, where host communities risk being overwhelmed by the influx of refugees. Over 3,000 people have embarked on dangerous boat journeys to seek safety, according to the UNHCR. Meanwhile, the IOM’s chief of mission in Yemen, Abdusattor Esoev, appealed to the international community for urgent support, emphasizing the need for food, shelter, health, water, and sanitation for those affected by the violence. The conflict has deepened existing challenges, including chronic poverty, environmental degradation, and a collapsing economy. Before the current escalation, nearly 4.8 million Yemenis had already been displaced, according to the UNHCR. With the humanitarian situation worsening, the UN has raised alarms about the increasing vulnerability of women and children, particularly in households led by female-headed families. The UN sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA, highlighted the plight of women like Aziza, who fled Mocha with her four daughters after being injured during shelling. She described herself as exhausted, hoping that survival alone is not enough, and that something meaningful might yet be built from the wreckage. The Security Council’s emergency session comes amid broader geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region. Reports indicate that Iran has intensified attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian drones and missiles striking a U.S.-contracted vessel near the area. The U.S. has also faced scrutiny over alleged war crimes, as a UN fact-finding mission concluded that the U.S. may have committed violations in attacks on civilian targets in Iran. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has approved the sale of advanced weaponry to Saudi Arabia, despite mounting criticism over the humanitarian fallout in Yemen. As the crisis deepens, the international community faces mounting pressure to respond effectively. The scale of displacement, the destruction of critical infrastructure, and the growing threat to regional stability underscore the urgency of coordinated action. The coming days will likely see further developments as the conflict continues to unfold, with far-reaching implications for millions of lives.