Yemen – the humanitarian situation steadily worsens

Since 2014, Yemen has been under fire due to clashes between Houthi rebels and government forces. This civil war took on an international dimension when a coalition of Arab states, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, became involved in the conflict, mainly through a large-scale and often indiscriminate campaign of airstrikes, resulting in the deaths of large numbers of civilians.

The blockade prevents aid from being delivered to Yemen

In addition, the sometimes complete blockade imposed by the coalition hinders the delivery of aid to Yemen. It has triggered a severe economic crisis, critically weakened state institutions, which no longer have financial resources, and led to a serious deterioration in food and nutritional security. The healthcare system has also been severely affected, with half of healthcare facilities not currently functioning.

Despite many attempts by the United Nations to negotiate a ceasefire which would lead to a global resolution of the conflict, the warring parties continue to hamper diplomatic progress. In December 2018, UN Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, negotiated a ceasefire, known as the Stockholm Agreement. A year later the Agreement was still not being respected and, although fighting around Hodeidah has eased, on other fronts hostilities have intensified.

80% of the population of Yemen is inneed of humanitarian assistance

Away from the talks, the conflict continues to threaten the lives of millions of people. Today the UN considers the humanitarian crisis in Yemen to be the worst in the world, with almost 80% of the population in need of humanitarian assistance.