Yemen

Yemen, the poorest country in the Middle East, has been in a state of war and famine for the past six years, causing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The conflict between the Houthis rebels and the Saudi-led coalition has claimed over 233,000 lives, including many civilians and children. The war has destroyed the country’s infrastructure, leaving millions of people without access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare. The situation in Yemen is dire, and the international community must act urgently to provide aid and bring an end to the conflict.

The conflict in Yemen began in 2014 when Houthi rebels took control of the capital, Sana’a, and forced the government of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi to flee to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The conflict escalated in March 2015 when Saudi Arabia formed a coalition of Arab countries to launch a military campaign to restore Hadi’s government. The coalition has been conducting airstrikes against Houthi positions, causing mass civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.

The humanitarian impact of the war on Yemeni civilians has been catastrophic. More than 20 million Yemenis, almost two-thirds of the population, are in need of humanitarian assistance. The war has destroyed the country’s economy, resulting in widespread poverty and hunger. Over 16 million people, more than half of whom are children, are facing acute hunger, and 2.3 million children under the age of five suffer from malnutrition. The country is also facing the world’s worst cholera outbreak, with over 1.6 million cases reported since 2017.

The situation is worsened by restrictions on aid delivery and movement imposed by both the Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition. Aid workers face challenges in delivering aid to the areas in need, and the airstrike has targeted hospitals, schools, markets, and other civilian infrastructure. The war has also created a massive displacement crisis. Over 4 million people have been forced to flee their homes, with many living in makeshift shelters or in host communities.

The global community must take immediate action to provide humanitarian aid and bring an end to the conflict. Yemen is in desperate need of food, clean water, and essential medical supplies. The international humanitarian community can support humanitarian organizations working on the ground to provide life-saving assistance to those in need. The UN and its partners launched a $4.2 billion humanitarian appeal for Yemen in 2021, but it is still underfunded.

Furthermore, the international community must pressure all parties to the conflict to come to the negotiating table and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Yemeni civilians who are bearing the brunt of the conflict deserve peace, security, and stability. The Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi rebels must cease hostilities and take steps towards a political settlement. Major powers, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, should stop selling weapons to the Saudi-led coalition or supporting the war in any way.

In conclusion, Yemen is facing a catastrophic situation that requires the world’s attention and action. The war has caused immense suffering and displacement, and the Yemeni people urgently require humanitarian assistance. The international community must act urgently to provide aid and to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Without global support, Yemen’s fragile situation will worsen, leading to more loss of life, destruction, and suffering.