Saudi-led coalition uses starvation as a war weapon: Minister of Human Rights

YemenExtra

M.A.

The Ministry of Human Rights held today in Sana’a aa  press conference on the humanitarian situation in the province of Hodeidah under the slogan “The aggression on Hodeidah aims to cut the lifeline of millions of Yemenis.”

At the conference, Minister of Human Rights Alia Faysal Abdul Latif affirmed the importance of stopping the military escalation in the province of Hodeidah and the port, which is the lifeblood of more than 22 million, as well as the need to protect civilians.

She called on journalists and media outlets to convey a true picture of the humanitarian disaster in Hodeidah as a result of the escalation of the US-backed coalition.

The report stressed that the escalation of military operations in Hodeidah and the West Coast and the imposition of a blockade and restrictions are unfair and contrary to the principles of international humanitarian law, whereas they further exacerbate the humanitarian situation. In addition, the report warned of possible major humanitarian disaster in the event of continued escalation and closure of the port.

The report pointed to the intent of the states of the Saudi-led coalition to use starvation as a means of war for it systematically targets stores and tankers of food, land and agricultural fields and silos, farms and livestock and fishing boats, which is prohibited by international humanitarian law.

The Ministry of Human Rights stressed on the importance of the Yemeni ports, where Yemen relies on the import of foodstuffs, medicines and fuel by 80-90%. All ports, including Hodeidah and Salib, are necessary to meet the needs of the Yemeni people.

The Ministry of Human Rights called on all relief and humanitarian organizations to exert more efforts to alleviate the scourge and consequences of the three-year Saudi war on civilians and to work expeditiously to provide all the needs and supplies for the displaced, whether it is food, health or shelter.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Ministry of Human Rights confirmed that the West Coast in particular and the province of Hodeidah, in general, is a strategic area that no one has the right to tamper with as it remains the main lifeline of 22 million citizens.