The United Nations has cautioned that the number of refugees escaping Yemen across the Red Sea to Djibouti could climb to 10,000 due to escalating hostilities. Simultaneously, internal displacement within Yemen is projected to rise to over 230,000 people, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian situation.
The alarm follows a recent offensive by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, who seized control of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline earlier this month. The clash has resulted in hundreds of casualties on both sides, disrupted global trade routes, and contributed to rising energy prices. The renewed conflict between the Houthis and forces loyal to the Saudi-backed Aden-based government has triggered a fresh wave of displacement.
More than 100,000 civilians have been forced from their homes within Yemen, while others have attempted perilous sea crossings to seek safety. Babar Baloch, a spokesperson for the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday that intensifying combat could drive further mass displacement.
According to Djibouti state media, over 3,000 individuals fled to Djibouti earlier this month. The UNHCR anticipates this figure will rise significantly, particularly after mid-October when current treacherous sea conditions are expected to ease. “We are planning for more than 10,000 arrivals in Djibouti” in the coming months, Baloch stated.
Inside Yemen, the number of internally displaced persons could swell from the current 130,000 to more than 230,000. This increase comes on top of the 5.2 million people who were already displaced prior to the resumption of fighting. Images from September 19 show women and children arriving at a camp for internally displaced people near Aden after fleeing the conflict zones along the coast.
Baloch highlighted that the renewed violence is deepening a dire crisis in a country where an estimated 22 million people require humanitarian assistance. However, the response is being hampered by a severe funding shortfall. The UNHCR’s Yemen operation is currently only 18 percent funded for 2026.
The agency estimates that $25 million is urgently needed to provide immediate aid to approximately 231,000 people. Meanwhile, UNHCR operations in Djibouti are just 15 percent funded, with the agency appealing for $13.5 million to ensure that new arrivals can access registration, reception, protection, and other essential services.
230,000 internally displaced is staggering. The human cost of this conflict is immense and ongoing.
Is anyone actually addressing the root causes here, or just throwing money at the symptoms?
My heart breaks for these families. The sea crossings must be so dangerous, especially for children.
10,000 more refugees? This crisis feels like it is getting worse, not better. Where is the global political will?
The funding shortfall is terrifying. How can the UN expect to help millions with only 15-18% funded?