Yemen: The Plight of Minorities Must Not Be Overlooked

In light of the escalating fighting in Yemen, the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) warns against overlooking the most marginalized population groups when providing humanitarian aid. The Al-Muhamaschin minority, which has suffered from systematic exclusion and persistent institutional discrimination for decades, is particularly at risk. The STP calls on UN organizations, international aid agencies, and the international community to give specific consideration to their situation.

According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, 280,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since early August. “The fact that the situation of the Al-Muhamaschin is not mentioned in the UN report is a critical omission. For aid to reach those in need, the suffering of marginalized groups must be recognized and addressed,” emphasizes Dr. Kamal Sido, STP’s Middle East Advisor.

According to STP, the Al-Muhamaschin (translated as “the marginalized”) in Yemen suffer from extremely poor humanitarian, social, and economic conditions. These conditions have been further exacerbated by the war. The Al-Muhamaschin face discrimination because of their skin color and social background. The derogatory term “Al-Akhdam” (“the servants”) reflects this ongoing discrimination. Many members of the minority are isolated in informal settlements on the outskirts of cities, known as “Mahawe.” There, they often live in makeshift huts or tents. Drinking water, electricity, and a functioning sewage system are lacking in many places. Some settlements are located in riverbeds or near landfills and are therefore particularly vulnerable to flooding, disease, and displacement.

The ongoing internal conflicts and the war between the Sunni Arab alliance, led by Saudi Arabia, and the Shiite Houthi militias, supported by Iran, have exacerbated the suffering of the Al-Muhamaschin. “The Al-Muhamaschin are the hardest-hit and most vulnerable group displaced by the war. They are often further marginalized in the distribution of humanitarian aid. At the same time, there is a growing risk that they will be caught in the crossfire and that parties to the conflict will exploit their plight to recruit them for combat operations,” says Sido, the Middle East Advisor.

Although the National Dialogue in Yemen (2013–2014) had already recommended the enactment of laws designed to ensure the integration of disadvantaged population groups and gender equality, these recommendations have not yet been implemented. Many Al-Muhamaschin possess neither an ID card nor a birth certificate. This makes it difficult for them to access their full civil rights, legal and social services, and humanitarian aid. They are particularly prone to malnutrition and chronic illnesses and face great difficulties in gaining access to hospitals or medical and humanitarian aid. Their number is estimated at between 500,000 and three million people. At least 35 million people live in Yemen.