Millions of Yemenis 'one step away' from famine, UN envoy warns
The UN's outgoing special envoy for Yemen has said ending the country's ongoing famine is an "overarching humanitarian priority", with millions "one step away from succumbing to famine".
Martin Griffiths told the UN Security Council on Monday that roughly two-thirds of the country's population, about 20 million people, rely on humanitarian aid for their daily needs, while five million "are one step away from succumbing to famine and the diseases that go with it" and an additional 10 million are "right behind them".
"Famine isn't just a food problem. It's a symptom of a much deeper collapse. In many ways, it is all of Yemen's problems rolled into one, and it demands a comprehensive response," said Griffiths, who will be replaced by Swedish national Hans Grundberg starting on 5 September.
Saudi Arabia and its regional allies, mainly the United Arab Emirates, entered the Yemeni government's war against the Houthi rebels in 2015 and began a wide-ranging aerial bombing campaign, as well as an air and sea blockade of the country.
The UN calls the situation in Yemen the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with the war killing more than 230,000 people, causing outbreaks of disease and pushing Yemen further towards the brink of famine.
Mohamed Khaled Khiari, assistant UN secretary general for the Middle East, raised further alarm over the widespread fuel shortages that are worsening in Houthi-controlled territories.
Only three ships carrying oil supplies have been allowed to dock at Yemen's port city of Hodeidah since July, while four others remain in a holding area controlled by the Saudi coalition, according to Khiari.
Only one Yemen petroleum station in Houthi-controlled areas has remained open due to the shortages, with wait times to refill gas canisters used for cooking reaching periods of one month, according to the UN.
"We reiterate our call on the government of Yemen to urgently allow the entry of all essential commercial supplies, including fuel ships to Hodeidah without delay," said Khiari.
"All parties must prioritise civilian needs and abstain from weaponising the economy, particularly in light of the critical humanitarian situation in the country."
The Houthis say lifting the Saudi blockade must be a prerequisite to ending the fighting, arguing that the humanitarian situation in Yemen should not be used as a bargaining chip.
Last month, the US called on Riyadh and the Yemeni government to "facilitate the timely import of fuel to northern Yemen" after months of severe restrictions on fuel imports into the country.
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