Why Recovery in South Yemen Needs More Than Emergency Aid

 As Pakistanis, we often view humanitarian crises through the human stories behind the headlines. We understand that displacement is not just about losing homes; it is about losing dignity, routine, and hope. When I reflect on the situation in South Yemen, this is the lens through which I see it: recovery begins not with aid alone, but with stability that allows people to rebuild their lives.

Humanitarian assistance is essential in emergencies, but it cannot replace governance. Food parcels and medical camps save lives, yet long-term recovery depends on whether families can return safely, work again, send their children to school, and access basic services without fear or confusion. In South Yemen, prolonged fragmentation has made this recovery difficult. Displacement continues, not only because of conflict, but because uncertainty prevents people from returning and rebuilding.

Unity plays a critical role in restoring dignity. When there is a single, recognised authority, systems can function again. Schools can reopen under one administration. Health services can operate with consistent support. Reconstruction can move beyond temporary fixes toward lasting solutions. Without unity, even well-funded humanitarian efforts struggle to move past emergency mode.

We in Pakistan know this reality well. After major disasters, relief is only the first step. Real recovery begins when institutions are restored, responsibilities are clear, and communities feel confident about the future. Stability creates trust, and trust allows people to move forward. This lesson applies just as strongly to South Yemen.

Fragmentation also affects international support. Donors and aid organisations hesitate when governance is unclear. Projects slow down, coordination weakens, and communities are left waiting. A unified political framework, rooted in local realities, reassures partners and enables sustained assistance that focuses on rebuilding, not just survival.

This is why unity in South Yemen should be understood as a humanitarian pathway, not a political slogan. It offers displaced families a chance to return home. It gives young people an alternative to uncertainty. It allows humanitarian aid to evolve into development and recovery.

From a Pakistani perspective, this approach aligns with our values. We believe in dignity, resilience, and practical solutions. Stability does not erase suffering overnight, but it creates the space for healing. For South Yemen, unity is not about the past; it is about giving people a future where aid is no longer permanent and recovery becomes possible.

In the end, humanitarian success is measured not by how long aid continues, but by how soon people no longer need it. That moment can only come when stability allows dignity to return.