“Yemen Deserves to Be Heard”: A Man’s Journey from Comfort to Crisis - An Interview with (H.) from Yemen

Disclaimer: this piece has been does not represent an official Amnesty International analysis.

Written by Hüseyin Ali Kudret Edited by Jennifer Buckesfeld

Living in a peaceful country, free from daily struggles such as hunger, trepidation, and conflict, is a privilege that not everyone enjoys. Some must leave their country just to feel ‘safe’ and somehow ‘survive’. Others do not even have a chance to flee, but are compelled to live in a state of crisis.

Such is the fate of millions of Yemenis. Often enough, those who are among the fortunate ones who get to build a life elsewhere arrive in communities where people do not even know why they came or even where Yemen is located, despite it being among the most beautiful places in the world and rich in ancient culture.

Yemen has been experiencing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises for over a decade, affecting about 20 million people, or half of its population, who require humanitarian assistance. [1] However, even though it is considered the world’s worst humanitarian crisis (Also See UNCHR), the crisis is somehow neglected and is not known by many others. Yet, as if people do not suffer from the consequences of a humanitarian crisis over a decade, further steps are taken by some countries to exacerbate the situation and fuel the conflict [2] or, as can be seen in the US’s example, cutting funding to overcome the humanitarian crisis [3].

Many think the humanitarian crisis in Yemen is an issue that they are unaffected by. However, it somehow affects everyone, even you, as a reader, probably miles away from Yemen. ‘Geography is your destiny,’ some say; can hunger and starvation really be a destiny?

To understand the reality behind Yemen’s crisis, I spoke with (H.), a Yemeni refugee, who shared his personal journey and insight into his country’s ongoing struggles. (H.), a Yemeni who sought asylum at the age of 25, an age at which average youth typically receive higher education or start working. He shared his journey, his previous life, and his view on the crisis that has been ongoing for more than a decade. He also highlighted possible ‘small’ yet effective actions that everyone can easily take to make a change. At the end of the article, as a reader, you can check what actions you might take.

‘Everything I had was just gone, and I was left with nothing, alone.’

(H.) is a Yemeni whose life took an unexpected turn when the conflict in Yemen erupted. Before the war, (H.) led a relatively comfortable life in a city called Taizz, one of the most affected cities. [4] He grew up in a family with strong professional and entrepreneurial backgrounds. His father, a renowned gynaecologist, had built a successful practice over the years, earning the trust of many in their local community. His mother ran a construction company that she had inherited from her grandfather, and the family lived in relatively good conditions. (H.) and his siblings received an education abroad, as was the custom in their family, with the aim of somehow helping their country after completing their education.  (H.)’s family was driven by the idea of the children returning to Yemen after their studies to contribute to the country’s development. However, with the onset of war and the ensuing conflict, everything changed.

“ If you had asked me at 15 how my life would turn out, I would have imagined something completely different. I never saw myself applying for asylum. My father, a gynaecologist, had built a practice with strong local connections, and my mother’s inherited construction company provided a good income. We were living in good conditions. But when the war started, one day we woke up, and we had nothing. The coalition airstrikes destroyed my mother’s business overnight—everything was gone. The machinery, the office, the paperwork—everything was bombed, and we had nothing left. My father’s practice couldn’t survive either. That’s when I realised that everything I had taken for granted—our wealth, security, and future—was suddenly gone. The only option left was to seek asylum because I no longer felt safe in my own country. Everything I had was just gone, and I was left with nothing, alone.”

Silent Suffering: Yemen’s Crisis No One is Hearing

(H.)’s story is merely one among many, yet it underscores a larger, troubling pattern that has been largely ignored worldwide. Despite the extent of the suffering in Yemen, it continues to be a silent crisis on the global stage. By applying for asylum in the Netherlands, (H.) managed to flee from what would become one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises,  marked by immense suffering. As (H.) pointed out, the war has ravaged the nation, forcing millions to fight for survival, yet it continues to receive limited attention in the media and from the international community.

“When I tell people I’m from Yemen, most have no idea where it is or what’s happening there. However, when you ask people about Mocha, they are fans of it! Do you ever wonder where Mocha originates?” 

He believes that a lack of awareness stems from inadequate media coverage because the coalition is supported by Europe, the United States, and many other countries. He believes that the common perception is that  Yemen has always had problems with Saudi Arabia, and that is the way it is. While global attention focuses on conflicts like Syria or Gaza, Yemen’s humanitarian disaster is overlooked, even with dire statistics of hunger and the ongoing devastation of war and resource scarcity. (H.)’s experience reminds us that behind every statistic lies a human story—one of survival, displacement, and the urgent need for international attention and action. As he put it,

“The humanitarian crisis is silently killing more people than the war itself.”

The geography of Yemen further compounds the problem, with limited options for escape and neighbouring regions embroiled in their own conflicts, making it nearly impossible for Yemenis to seek refuge. [5]  Indeed, as (H.) explains, Yemen is essentially a country surrounded by water, with Africa to the west. However, neighbouring countries like Sudan and Somalia are not ideal places to live either, as they, too, experience conflict. On the other side lies a desert, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia. Consequently, people cannot easily leave the country, which worsens the situation. Furthermore, people escaping from other conflict zones are stuck in Yemen, which exacerbates the crisis even further.

The degree of the crisis also varies from one place to another. When (H.) and their family, aware of these differences, have tried to help people in other parts of the country, they have witnessed even worse situations. (H.) speaks of places where people are not living, but merely surviving. One of the memories that he recalls from his time in Yemen, as stated by (H.), is

“I recall a visit when a child approached me, curious about my water bottle. The children spoke a unique dialect, as they grew up with minimal contact with outsiders in the country. It was shocking to see so many people we had never encountered before. He asked, ‘What’s in your hand?’ I replied, ‘Water,’ and he, surprised, asked, ‘What is this water?’ They usually drank muddy brown water. Then he asked, ‘Can I taste it?’ I realised that the about nine-year-old had never tasted pure drinking water. This is itself a disaster.”

There are also obstacles for those attempting to ease the situation. For example, (H.)’s sister, who works with an international humanitarian organisation (which cannot be disclosed due to safety concerns), has been threatened by some parties involved in the conflict. (H.) mentioned that it is not an individual threat; many international organisations face similar obstacles, such as having funds squeezed from humanitarian aid, being threatened, and even killing workers, and so on. [Also See. 6] The situation is worse than you expected, says (H.).

“They (international community, states) have been involved in trying to help people, but not in a way that addresses the root of the problem. Instead of seeking solutions, their efforts have been more about covering up the issue, like putting a bandage on a wound without actually treating it.”

Small Steps, Big Impact: How Youth Can Amplify Yemen’s Voice

Raising awareness about the ongoing crisis in Yemen is crucial, especially because the issue has been largely neglected in global conversations. As (H.) pointed out,

“Yemen is a huge country, located in a very strategic place, affecting world trade. It’s being controlled by many countries, with various agendas, yet no one has a real say in what happens there.” 

According to (H.), the situation is dire, with 70% of the population—more than 25 million people—living in hunger, while the international community continues to overlook the scale of the humanitarian crisis.

Like others worldwide, youth play a critical role in addressing this issue. As (H.) suggests,

“They can start by questioning where their resources, like tax money or military spending, are going. What are our governments doing with the money that necessarily goes to us?  Is it for humanitarian relief or military involvement? This kind of questioning helps youth understand their role in the global response to crises like Yemen, allowing them to take informed action.”

(H.) also points out other easy ways that have an immense effect on raising awareness. He mentions that raising awareness does not always require donations; it can start with a conversation. As (H.) explained,

“Just telling a friend about Yemen and letting that friend share it with others can make a huge impact. It sounds like a small step, but it works when many people start knowing the story. And, if there is an action, people will push for that, given their knowledge.”

Through small actions—spreading the message, starting conversations, sharing information in university lectures or on posters—young adults can create a ripple effect. “If we just look closer,” (H.) said, “we would see so many countries suffering and in need of our awareness.”

Taking Action: How You Can Make a Difference

While raising awareness is an important step, as (H.) points out, there are also concrete actions you can take to contribute to the solution and support Yemen in its time of need, in addition to his recommendations. Here are some ways you can get involved and create a positive impact:

1. Donate and Fundraise: Donations play a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid—food, clean water, healthcare, and more—to those in need in Yemen. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps. You can easily research humanitarian organisations and donate to some, such as the UNHCR, IFRC, WHO or national organisations such as  Stichting Vluchteling.

   
   

   If you are unable to donate money, there are other ways to fundraise, such as participating in the Nacht van de Vluchteling (Night of the Refugee). This annual fundraising event takes place across the Netherlands to raise funds and awareness for refugees. Register, create a profile, and share your donation link with your network! You can also join my team; we can walk together! You can also check other initiatives in your country!

2. Raise Awareness and Advocate for Change: Your voice can inspire others to take action and demand political change.

   ➤ Initiate a petition or support existing ones that demand more decisive action to alleviate the suffering in Yemen and seek accountability for previous humanitarian crimes, as called for by Amnesty International. [7]

   ➤ Host a virtual discussion or webinar on Yemen’s crisis, inviting others to learn, discuss solutions, and brainstorm actions.

   ➤ Share stories and campaigns about the Yemen crisis on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Even simple posts can start meaningful conversations.

3. Educate Yourself and Share Knowledge:  The more you know, the more effective your actions will be.

   ➤ Read articles, watch documentaries, listen to podcasts—these are excellent ways to understand the full extent of the Yemen crisis and the international forces at play.

   ➤ Organise a study group with friends or classmates to discuss the situation and come up with advocacy ideas. Knowledge empowers action!

4. Stay Active and Informed: The crisis in Yemen is evolving, and staying informed is essential to keep the momentum going. Therefore, you can follow organisations such as Amnesty International and Stichting Vluchteling on their websites or social media for continuous updates and opportunities to get involved. Share important news with your network to ensure the conversation about Yemen never stops.

Conclusion: Together, We Can Make a Difference

It is crucial to break free from our comfort zones, engage with global issues like Yemen, and help amplify voices that have been silenced. By making Yemen a topic of conversation, youth can contribute to raising the visibility of this neglected crisis and eventually drive meaningful change. As (H.)points out, “Yemen deserves to be heard more in the media than it has.”