Advocating for older people’s lives amidst Yemen’s on-going crisis

Published

Yemen is enduring one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world, with older people among the hardest hit. On 14 September 2024, the Life Makers Meeting Place Organisation (LMMPO) held a dialogue in Mukalla, Hadhramaut Governorate, bringing together multiple stakeholders to address the challenges older people face, particularly focusing on income security and food access. 

The impact of conflict and crisis on older people in Yemen 

For over a decade, Yemen has suffered from civil conflict, compounded by inflation and climate-related shocks. As a result, the country has become one of the most food-insecure in the world, with the highest levels of poverty globally 

Thirty decision-makers, including government representatives, civil society organisations, community leaders, and media, participated in the recent LMMPO dialogue. Some attendees noted that the meeting deepened their understanding of older people’s struggles, a topic that had often been overlooked. 

Participants explored ways to better include older people in humanitarian interventions, strengthen government social support programmes, and develop community initiatives that provide direct assistance through food, cash distribution, and income generation. 

A focus on the needs of older people 

Abdu Ahmed, Project Manager at LMMPO, highlighted the lack of attention given to older people in Yemen.

The meeting in Mukalla showed enhanced understanding of the needs of older people among the participants. The stakeholders agreed on some goals and shared directions to contribute to positive change with regard to the inclusion of older people in government and humanitarian programmes.

Abdu Ahmed, Project Manager at LMMPO

LMMPO’s commitment to economic and food security 

Founded in 2007, LMMPO has consistently supported vulnerable populations at risk of poverty and exclusion. Now part of the HelpAge Global Network, LMMPO has been at the forefront of advocating for older people’s economic security. Following the 2022 price spikes, LMMPO conducted research into how the food, fuel, and finance crises were disproportionately affecting older people in Yemen. This work has driven its continued local advocacy to improve the living conditions of older people. 

 

The evidence on older people’s experiences in Yemen 

Although precise estimates are difficult to obtain, the World Bank recently reported that up to 74 percent of Yemen’s population could be living in poverty. A 2023 policy brief by HelpAge and LMMPO further highlighted the widespread poverty among older Yemenis, many of whom struggle to meet basic needs such as food. 

Interviews conducted in 2024 as part of LMMPO’s advocacy session preparation revealed the acute vulnerability faced by older women, widows, and people with disabilities. The support older people typically rely on from extended families is now scarce due to the ongoing conflict, and both government and humanitarian programmes have largely overlooked their needs. 

 

Recommendations for improving older people’s lives 

LMMPO and HelpAge have outlined several urgent steps to improve the lives of older people in Yemen: 

  • Government programmes must address the vulnerabilities that older people face due to the crisis, with a long-term review of the pension system when possible. 
  • Humanitarian programmes should prioritise older people as a vulnerable group whose needs must be addressed. 
  • Ensuring older people’s access to food and their ability to meet basic needs should be a key focus. 
  • Local councils and authorities must create opportunities for older people to voice their concerns. 
  • Establish community partnerships and civil society coordination to guide efforts in supporting older people.