United Nations: Absence of a Political Solution Worsens the Suffering of 21 Million Yemenis

Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:

The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Julien Harneis, said that the continued economic collapse and ongoing fighting in the country have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, causing suffering for around 21 million Yemenis amid the absence of any comprehensive political solution.

Speaking at a press conference held today, Monday, in Geneva, Harneis explained that the failure of the parties to the conflict to reach a political settlement places humanitarian organizations under major challenges and restricts their ability to respond to growing needs, warning that humanitarian conditions are likely to deteriorate further.

The UN official pointed to the worsening food insecurity and the deterioration of the health situation, especially among children, with rising mortality and disease rates. He also noted a sharp decline in access to clean water due to the war, climate change, and shortages of fuel needed to operate water wells.

Harneis called on the international community, particularly neighboring countries, to strengthen their support for humanitarian efforts in Yemen, stressing that current assistance, despite its importance, is no longer sufficient to confront the scale of the escalating crisis.