“The moment we feared is here. Covid-19 is not only in Yemen, but it is spreading. We are genuinely concerned that the impact of Covid-19 could be worse in Yemen than anywhere else, because this was already the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.
“We fear most for the 3.6 million Yemenis who have fled their homes, along with many migrants and refugees hosted by Yemen. These are people living in overcrowded settlements, or packed many families to a room in schools and other public buildings. They have limited access to even soap or clean water and cannot simply ‘self-isolate’. Although the virus does not discriminate, it is these most vulnerable people who will be hit hardest.
“Urgent action is needed. Aid organisations must be given safe and unimpeded access across the country to help scale-up measures against Covid-19, and continue vital assistance. While restrictions are necessary to fight the virus, they must not block access to lifesaving aid, upon which 80 per cent of the population is dependent. Despite a ceasefire, fighting on the ground continues and thousands of civilians are still fleeing each week. All parties must lay down their arms, immediately. Yemen cannot fight both Covid-19 and a war.”