The Yemen war is international and therefore requires an international solution. The absolute victory of either side is almost impossible. The Saudi-led coalition has unrelenting military support from the United States, the United Kingdom and France, while Ansar Allah’s forces in Yemen remain surprisingly strong. Neither side wants to give up the land.
While the United Kingdom should play a leading role in the crisis, as the pen holder of Yemen in the UN Security Council, it has neglected this duty. Its latest use was a UN Security Council resolution aimed at condemning Iran’s influence in Yemen, rather than on a ceasefire or unrestricted access to aid. The UK government alone will not solve the health care crisis in Yemen.
Greater lobbying by active groups and politicians is critical to pressuring regimes, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, to end arms sales and political approval of the Saudi-led coalition. This activity succeeded when Germany moved to stop arms sales to the coalition and when international pressure forced Saudi Arabia to lift the blockade in part.
International humanitarian actors must work with local and national authorities to help strengthen health care and sanitation facilities in Yemen. Food aid and an end to the war alone will not prevent malnutrition and famine. Yemenis went without salaries for months.
Al-Jawhari recommends an international response to preserve Yemen’s economy, promote entrepreneurship and create jobs. In the meantime, greater food support and free food will be needed to alleviate malnutrition in the short term.
Global actors must address this chaotic episode of history as quickly as possible to reduce further suffering and prevent a tsunami of deaths. Yemen can not wait any longer.
