Yemen: New draft UNSC resolution by UK must lead to real and lasting change

Islamic Relief UK welcomed the announcement on Friday by UK ambassador to the UN, Karen Pierce, that a draft resolution on Yemen will be delivered to the UN Security Council today (Monday 19th November).

As one of the largest humanitarian organisations in Yemen, the charity has seen first-hand the devastating impact of the conflict and the consequences of international inaction. If passed, it would be the first new resolution on Yemen by the UNSC since 2015.

Islamic Relief UK is calling on the members of the UNSC to ensure that the resolution passes the five criteria made by UN aid chief Mark Lowcock.

These five criteria include an immediate humanitarian truce to stop the fighting in Hodeida, protection of the supply of food and essential goods, a larger, and faster injection of foreign exchange into the economy through the central bank, increased funding for humanitarian aid, and for all parties to the conflict to re-engage in meaningful peace talks.

Salem Jaffer Baobaid, Islamic Relief’s Project Coordinator in Hodeidah, said:

“Attempts at peace talks have been going on for so long, but we will only start to feel positive when we see concrete action to stop the fighting. All we want is peace. We’re tired. People should not be forced to live in these conditions. Our teams are working around the clock to deliver desperately-needed aid. But only real peace will make a lasting difference to people’s lives here.

“There is an increasing desperation among the people of Hodeida, especially in Al Hali and Al Hawak districts on the frontline of the conflict. In the past few days we have seen thousands of people turning up at our food distribution points, where previously there would be hundreds. And fights have almost broken out where people are desperate not to miss out on the food packages. The number of people now in these areas is immense; many of them have come out of hiding as the fighting has subsided to stockpile on food rations and then go back to their homes. The signs of the conflict are etched on their faces and it breaks my heart to see so many weak women, children and older people suffering from malnutrition, cholera and respiratory diseases. We’re supporting 30 health centres in Hodeida but they are struggling to cope.