Statement of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Jamie McGoldrick, on Cessation of Hostilies in Yemen [EN/AR]

Sana’a, 9 April 2016: I am encouraged by the prospect of a cessation of hostilities set to start on 10 April. If respected, the agreement will provide men, women and children in Yemen a much needed respite from the increased violence they have been facing, on a daily basis, for over a year now.

Large-scale relief operations are already under way in Yemen. During this period humanitarians will continue doing their best to deliver assistance to those in need and negotiate sustained access to hard-to-reach areas.

I hope all parties to the conflict abide by the cessation of hostilities agreement and note that only a political solution to the conflict can bring the lasting peace Yemenis deserve and are demanding.

Regardless of the outcome of the peace talks, the United Nations and our humanitarian partners will continue responding to the humanitarian needs of people, wherever they may be found and despite the great obstacles faced. Parties to the conflict are reminded that the rules of war require them to protect civilians and civilian premise and to ensure humanitarians have safe, unhindered, and sustained access to those in need.

For further information, please call:
Federica D' Andreagiovanni, dandreagiovannif@un.org, +962 796876082 OCHA press releases are available at www.unocha.org/yemen, www.unocha.org or www.reliefweb.int