UN envoy’s fallout fears for Yemen

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The United Nations envoy for Yemen says he fears “severe” humanitarian and political fallout if fighting intensifies in the crucial port city of Hodeida, but he’s confident a pact can be forged to prevent increased violence.

Special Envoy Martin Griffiths has been trying to broker a ceasefire after a Saudi-led coalition launched an offensive last week to try to retake rebel-held Hodeida. The coalition is allied with Yemen’s internationally recognised, exiled Government.

“I am confident that we can reach an agreement to avert any escalation of violence” in Hodeida, Griffiths said in a statement yesterday, noting that he feared any military escalation “would have severe political and humanitarian consequences.” He said he was encouraged by meetings in recent days with leaders of the Shia rebels, known as Houthis, and plans to meet with government leaders.

Hodeida is the main entry point for food, humanitarian aid and fuel supplies to impoverished Yemen, already on the brink of famine after three years of war.

The war has killed more than 10,000 people and thrust the Arab world’s poorest country into what the UN has called the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Around twothirds of Yemen’s population of 27 million relies on aid, and more than 8 million are at risk of starving.

Aid groups have expressed alarm about the Hodeida offensive, fearing a protracted fight could shut down the port and potentially tip millions of people into starvation.

Seeking to allay concerns, diplomats from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates outlined a roster of humanitarian activities and plans yesterday at a New York news conference.

“The coalition has made humanitarian relief a priority,” the Emirati UN Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh said as she and Saudi officials said their countries were providing tonnes of food, trucks and aircraft to transport humanitarian supplies, and other help.

The two nations also together gave more than US$900 million ($1.3 billion) to UN humanitarian efforts in Yemen earlier this year.

The coalition has faced criticism for a campaign of airstrikes that has killed civilians and destroyed hospitals and markets.

The Houthis, meanwhile, have laid land mines, killing and wounding civilians. They have also targeted religious minorities and imprisoned opponents.

Rebel leader Abdel-Malek alHouthi vowed in a speech Thursday to continue the fight.