Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien -Statement on Yemen [EN/AR]

I am even more deeply concerned by the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Yemen. Millions of women, children and men are facing terrifying violence, extreme hunger and little medical assistance as the fighting, shelling and bombing by all parties show no sign of abating.

It is extremely disappointing that the humanitarian pause did not take hold over the weekend. I call again on all parties to the conflict to agree an immediate and unconditional humanitarian pause across the country.

I urge the parties to abide by their obligations under international law to protect civilians and facilitate rapid, safe and predictable access for humanitarian organizations to reach all people who need assistance, wherever they are in Yemen.

Despite the continued fighting, our humanitarian colleagues and their partners on the ground have been able to distribute some vital aid for the families in desperate need. However, it is not nearly enough and we need access and funds to rapidly scale up critical humanitarian supplies and services.

A political solution to this conflict is what the people of Yemen need and I hope that the international community will do all it can for the Yemeni families who are counting on this.

New York, 15 July 2015