International aid groups working in Yemen have warned of the humanitarian implications of the military escalation between the Houthis and the US-led Red Sea coalition.
This could lead to the cessation of humanitarian operations in a country where two-thirds of the population needs aid.
“We, the undersigned 26 aid organizations operating in Yemen, express grave concern over the humanitarian impacts of the recent military escalation in Yemen and the Red Sea. The humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains one of the largest in the world, and escalation will only worsen the situation for vulnerable civilians and hinder the ability of aid organizations to deliver critical services.”
According to the joint statement, “Following the US/UK strikes on 12 and 13 January 2024, some humanitarian organizations have been forced to suspend operations over safety and security concerns, while others assess their ability to operate. Further escalation could result in more organizations being forced to halt their operations in areas where there are ongoing hostilities.”
Priority to Diplomacy
The organizations urged “all actors to prioritize diplomatic channels over military options to de-escalate the crisis and safeguard the progress of peace efforts in Yemen. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected, and safe, unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance must be guaranteed.”
“The impact of the security threat in the Red Sea is already being felt by humanitarian actors as disruption to trade is pushing up prices and causing delays in shipments of lifesaving goods,” added the organizations.
They warned that “impacts to vital infrastructure, including strategic ports, would have major implications for the entry of essential goods into a country heavily dependent on imports. Scarcity and increased costs of basic commodities, such as food and fuel, will only exacerbate the already dire economic crisis, increase reliance on aid, and drive protection risks.”
“Humanitarian actors in Yemen remain committed to delivering lifesaving assistance to millions of people. However, our ability to reach the most vulnerable populations is already being impacted by declining global funding cuts and suspensions in food aid which have forced some organizations to significantly scale back their operations.”
The statement said that political leaders must consider the dire humanitarian implications of military escalation, and refrain from actions that could result in renewed armed conflict.
“The recent escalation also underscores the risk of a wider regional and international confrontation that could undermine Yemen’s fragile peace process and longer-term recovery,” it added.
