Statement from the Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Johannes Van Der Klaauw

Amman, 1 April 2015

I am appalled to learn of the killing of a volunteer with the Yemen Red Crescent Society (YRCS) in Al Dhale'e in southern Yemen, on Monday, 30 March 2015. This incident has been confirmed by the Ministry of Health and humanitarian partners working in the health sector.

Humanitarian workers are putting their lives at risk every day in Yemen to provide critical, life-saving assistance to millions of Yemenis. Their courage and dedication are unsurpassed.

I am appealing to all parties to the conflict to ensure freedom of movement and access for humanitarian workers to carry out their work in safety, as well as unfettered access to those in

need. This includes allowing the free and safe movement of humanitarian aid supplies into and within Yemen. Our work in the humanitarian community depends on our ability to bring staff and supplies into the country without restrictions.

I am also deeply concerned by reports of mounting civilian casualties and continued destruction and damage to civilian infrastructure. All parties to conflict in Yemen must observe their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and the means to provide them with health care, water and sanitation, access to food and livelihoods and other vital services.

I reiterate my call to the parties to find a negotiated solution to the conflict in Yemen, as failure to do so will put the entire population in Yemen at risk.

For further information, please contact:

Ogoso Erich, Public Information Officer, OCHA Yemen, Tel +962 795 203 158, email – ogoso@un.org