Situations in Yemen Worsen, the World Looks Away

YemenExtra

SH.A.

Yemen’s war is international, and it therefore requires an international solution.An outright victory for either side is nearly impossible. The Saudi-led coalition has relentless military support from the US, the UK and France, while Yemen’s Ansar Allah forces remain surprisingly strong. Neither side wants to concede ground.

While the UK should take a leading role in the crisis, as Yemen’s penholder in the UN Security Council, it has neglected this duty. Its most recent use of its power was a UNSC resolution aimed at condemning Iranian influence in Yemen, rather than focusing on a ceasefire or on the unrestricted entry of aid. The UK government alone will not solve Yemen’s healthcare crisis.

Greater lobbying from activist groups and politicians is crucial to pressuring regimes, such as the UK and the US, from ending weapons sales and political consent to the Saudi-led coalition. Such activism succeeded when Germany moved to halt arms sales to the coalition and when international pressure forced Saudi Arabia to partially lift its blockade.

International humanitarian actors should work with local and national authorities to help strengthen Yemen’s healthcare and sanitation facilities. Food aid and ending the war alone will not prevent malnutrition and famine; Yemenis have gone without salaries for months.

Algohbary recommends an international response to sustain Yemen’s economy, promote entrepreneurship and create job opportunities. Meanwhile, greater food support and free access to food will be required to ease malnutrition in the short term.

Global actors must address this chaotic episode of history as urgently as possible to minimise further suffering and prevent a tsunami of deaths. Yemen cannot wait any longer.