Attacks that took place near a hospital and market in Hodeidah on Thursday 2nd August, like the many impacting civilians across the country, are utterly devastating - scores more Yemenis killed by violence and a risk that thousands more could die because they have had their access to medical care compromised. These add to a death toll of tens of thousands that will never adequately represent the real losses occurring for Yemen and Yemeni people.
We are encouraged by remarks made by Yemen’s UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths to the UN Security Council yesterday. His invitation to conflict parties to Geneva next month represents the most promising step towards peace in years of brutal conflict. We commend the envoy for paving a way back to the negotiating table, and strongly urge conflict parties to embark upon it.
Parties to the conflict must now seize this opportunity for a resolution through negotiation rather than military means. Conflict parties must cease attacks on civilians. It is essential that they allow the unhindered movement of food, fuel and medicine through Hodeidah Port and onward to areas across the country. Aid organisations, likewise, must be given space to reach people in the greatest need without interference. Any actions that sever access to commercial and humanitarian supplies sever chances of human survival.
The UN Security Council must stand firmly behind the Special Envoy to support the resumption of a political settlement to the conflict. This process does not rest on the UN or on conflict parties alone, it is the responsibility of every council member and all with a role in this conflict to create suitable conditions for lasting peace.