UN has warned of a ‘total collapse’ for Yemen
UN has warned of a ‘total collapse’ for Yemen: According The United Nation’s top humanitarian co-ordinator Yemen is facing “total social, economic and institutional collapse.” The humanitarian co-ordinator Stephen O’Brien was speaking to the UN Security Council, where he told the members that “urgent action is required“.
With almost seven million people on the brink of famine, Yemen is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis. Furthermore there has been an outbreak of cholera which has also killed 500 people, the UN expects 150,000 cases in the next six months.
According to Mr O’Brien the suffering of Yemenis was not a coincidence, or the “result of forces beyond our control” but rather the fault of those involved and inaction by world powers. He added that “The people of Yemen are being subjected to deprivation, disease and death as the world watches, Crisis is not coming, it is not looming, it is here today – on our watch.”
Mr O’Brian claimed that despite “generous pledges” only 24% of the $2.1 billion needed for humanitarian aid had been received.
In the past two years, the country has been embroiled in fighting between forces loyal to the internationally recognised president, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, and Shia Houthi rebels. In the meantime Al-Qaeda, has also taken advantage of the chaos and reinforced its presence in the south and south-east of the country.
According to UN figures in March 2015, More than 8,000 people mostly civilians have been killed and close to 44,500 others injured since the conflict escalated.
It is estimated that approximately 18.8 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.
Also speaking today to the UN Security Council was the UN envoy for Yemen, Ismael Ould Cheikh Ahmed, who had just returned from talks in the country.
However neither side has been willing to compromise, he said, and “the call for peace… is still falling on deaf ears.” He added that “The reluctance of the key parties to embrace the concessions needed for peace, or even discuss them, remains extremely troubling” Yemenis are paying a price for their needless delay.”
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