Yemen

Contamination from landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW) continues to affect extensive areas across Yemen, particularly in Hudaydah Governorate and along the West Coast, posing a persistent threat to civilians, humanitarian actors and United Nations personnel. Explosive contamination along roads, agricultural land, coastal areas and access routes endanger lives, restrict freedom of movement and undermines livelihoods in already fragile communities.

The protracted conflict and deteriorating economic conditions in Yemen have led to increased risk-taking behaviors, as civilians are compelled to return to contaminated land for farming, grazing, fishing and daily movement, resulting in ongoing injuries and fatalities caused by explosive ordnance. Within this context, the United Nations Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) supports the implementation of the Stockholm Agreement and relevant Security Council resolutions by facilitating coordination, monitoring explosive-related incidents and advocating for risk mitigation measures to protect civilians and UN personnel operating in mine- and ERW-affected environments.

UNMHA works closely with national mine action authorities, UN agencies and humanitarian partners to support safe operations and access in contaminated areas, including through the coordination and delivery of Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) initiatives for UN staff, humanitarian actors and affected communities. In addition, UNMHA supports victim-centered mine action responses through targeted Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), contributing to assistance for mine and ERW survivors and strengthening community resilience in affected districts.

Impact

• Monitored and verified 24 landmine- and explosive remnants of war (ERW) incidents in Hudaydah Governorate during 2025, contributing to evidence-based advocacy and coordination to protect civilians and United Nations personnel operating in contaminated areas.

• Recorded 47 civilian casualties (34 fatalities and 13 injuries), including women and children accounting for approximately 38 per cent of victims, strengthening protection analysis and informing targeted risk mitigation and response efforts in the most affected districts.

• Supported the coordination and delivery of Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) for United Nations staff, humanitarian personnel, and affected communities, enhancing awareness of landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and other ERW risks and improving safe behavior and reporting in contaminated areas.

• Implemented targeted Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in support of mine and ERW victims, contributing to community resilience, victim assistance, and livelihood recovery in districts most affected by explosive contamination.