Geneva - In a statement issued by SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties on the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, it was noted that Yemeni society faces severe challenges due to the ongoing war for more than a decade. These challenges include the suspension of salaries, which has exacerbated the economic situation, leaving many citizens without income and plunging them into extreme poverty. According to World Bank reports, poverty in Yemen has increased by more than half during the years of conflict, with approximately 82.7% of the population estimated to be living below the multidimensional poverty line.

SAM pointed out that the effects of the war are evident in the staggering price increases that citizens face daily. The cost of living has risen significantly, making access to basic goods extremely difficult. Estimates indicate that inflation rates have surpassed 30%, with even larger increases in some areas like Taiz, where the rise has exceeded 100% due to armed conflict and blockades.

The organization highlighted that the halt in investment within the country has contributed to worsening the economic crisis. The war has destroyed infrastructure and reduced economic activity, leading investors to hesitate in injecting funds into the Yemeni market. This decline in investments results in further job losses and increased unemployment rates.

SAM's statement mentioned that the division of the Central Bank and the national currency has deepened the economic crisis, creating significant disparities in monetary policies across different regions. This has led to price inflation and the emergence of a black market for currency, making it difficult for citizens to secure their basic needs.

Furthermore, it added that ten years of ongoing conflict have resulted in one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Statistics indicate that over 18 million people require humanitarian assistance, and approximately 17.6 million people will face food insecurity during this year, 2024, reflecting the catastrophic situation Yemenis endure due to poverty and war.

SAM emphasized that the impacts of poverty and its repercussions on Yemeni society necessitate urgent actions, including ending the raging war, allowing communities to begin rebuilding their lives and improving their living conditions. It stressed that achieving peace and stability is a fundamental step toward addressing the economic and social crises faced by the Yemeni people, which will enable infrastructure rehabilitation, boost investments, and provide salaries and essential services.