The IRC welcomes Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt’s announcement that the UK will pursue Security Council action to bolster the UN led peace process on Yemen.
Sanj Srikanthan, Executive Director for IRC UK said, “The UK has an opportunity to show global leadership and table a new UN Resolution that ends the violence, stops the killing and sets Yemen on the road to stability.
With 12 million people on the brink of famine there are no excuses for inaction. The cost of failure are too high.
The humanitarian and economic crisis in Yemen are driven by the war, not failed rains or drought. A new resolution should address all aspect of the crisis if the suffering of ordinary Yemenis is to end.
First, the resolution must codify the US call for a cession of hostilities. Hunt is right that attempts to stop the fighting should be matched by a political process. However, with a Saudi Coalition offensive on the vital port city of Hodeida looming, pressure must be deployed to end the fighting now and pave the way for political discussions. 600 000 civilians living in the city are currently at risk.
Second, humanitarian and commercial access into and around Yemen must be secured for the sake of tens of thousands of children at risk of starvation. Yemen’s ports, including Hodeidah and Sana’a airport must be open and operate at full capacity.
Finally, the impending famine in Yemen is driven by the failing economy. Vital public servant salary payments to eligible staff must resume."