Yemen official urges Oxfam aid for displaced families in Lahj

Lahj Deputy Governor Salah al-Dawoudi on Tuesday called for urgent humanitarian intervention by Oxfam to meet the growing needs of displaced families in the Yemeni governorate, the news agency of Yemen's internationally recognised government Saba (Government) reported.

Al-Dawoudi made the appeal during a meeting with Bahaa Mohammed, Oxfam Yemen's food security officer, where the two sides discussed expanding aid and development projects across Lahj's districts.

The governorate has received tens of thousands of families from the Al-Subaiha areas of Lahj and neighbouring governorates, who fled attacks by the Houthi militia, according to the report, and local responders say their capacity has been exceeded.

The discussions focused on food assistance and unconditional cash transfers, including direct payments and recurring distributions, to help beneficiaries meet essential needs.

Al-Dawoudi said the governorate's leadership had directed efforts to strengthen engagement with international organisations and donors and to direct assistance toward the most urgent needs of displaced families.

He named access to safe water and sanitation facilities as key priorities for the response.

He also stressed the need for sustained coordination between Oxfam and local authorities, particularly the Executive Unit for Managing Displacement Camps, to prepare for the winter season.

The officials aim to identify settlements most exposed to rain and cold and to take measures to protect displaced communities and their shelters, the report said.

Yemen has been split between the Houthi movement, which controls the capital Sanaa and much of the north, and the internationally recognised government since the conflict escalated in 2014, leaving millions of people displaced across the country.