Aden -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has officially announced the expansion of its humanitarian interventions in Yemen, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to support communities affected by conflict, economic collapse, and deteriorating public services.

In a recent statement, the ICRC emphasized that its operations will intensify across multiple governorates, focusing on critical sectors such as health care, water and sanitation, economic security, and the protection of civilians. 

The organization has maintained a continuous presence in Yemen since 1962 and works in close coordination with the Yemen Red Crescent Society (YRCS), its primary local partner.

“Years of armed conflict and economic hardship have exhausted people’s capacity to cope,” the ICRC noted, citing that over 70% of Yemen’s population now depends on humanitarian aid to survive, while more than 80% live below the poverty line.

The expanded interventions will include:

- Support for hospitals and health centers, including surgical supplies, equipment, and staff training.

- Rehabilitation of water infrastructure to ensure access to clean drinking water in urban and rural areas.

- Livelihood programs aimed at helping families become financially independent through vocational training and micro-grants.

- Protection services, including assistance to detainees and efforts to reconnect separated families.

- Mine clearance and risk education, especially in areas contaminated by explosive remnants of war.

The ICRC also reiterated its neutral and impartial stance, stressing that its humanitarian work is guided solely by the needs of affected populations, regardless of political or military affiliations. 

It continues to engage constructively with both state and non-state actors to facilitate safe access to vulnerable communities.

This expansion comes at a time when Yemen’s humanitarian crisis remains one of the world’s most severe, with millions facing food insecurity, displacement, and limited access to essential services. 

The ICRC’s renewed commitment signals a vital lifeline for many and underscores the importance of sustained international support.