Yemen, a country ravaged by more than seven years of war, is facing a chronic state of emergency, with millions of people suffering from hunger, disease and other humanitarian crises. The situation is worsening by the day, as the conflict escalates and disrupts vital supply chains and infrastructure.

Red Sea Attacks

One of the most alarming developments in recent weeks has been the series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by the Houthi rebels, who control most of northern Yemen and are backed by Iran. The Houthis have launched drones, missiles and boats to target ships carrying oil, food and other goods, threatening a key lifeline for Yemen and the global economy.

The attacks have prompted several shipping companies, including Maersk and BP, to suspend or divert their operations in the Red Sea, raising the risk of delays and price hikes for consumers and businesses around the world. The Red Sea is one of the busiest and most strategic waterways in the world, linking Europe, Asia and Africa. About 10% of global trade passes through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow chokepoint at the southern end of the Red Sea.

The international community has condemned the Houthi attacks and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The UN Security Council has demanded that the rebels stop their attacks and cooperate with UN efforts to reach a political solution to the conflict. The US, UK and other countries have also announced a new joint mission to protect the ships and deter further aggression. The US has also imposed sanctions on a network of money exchange services that allegedly fund the Houthis.

The Houthis, however, have defied the warnings and continued their assaults, claiming that they are defending themselves against the Saudi-led coalition that supports the internationally recognized government of Yemen. The coalition has been conducting air strikes and blockades against the rebels since 2015, causing widespread civilian casualties and damage. The Houthis have also expressed solidarity with Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that recently fought a 11-day war with Israel in Gaza.

Humanitarian Crisis

The Red Sea attacks are adding to the already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, which the UN has described as the world’s worst. More than 20 million people, or two-thirds of the population, need some form of humanitarian assistance or protection. About 16 million people are facing acute food insecurity, with nearly 50,000 in famine-like conditions. More than 2 million children under the age of five are acutely malnourished, and more than 400,000 are at risk of dying without urgent treatment.

The war has also devastated the health system, leaving millions of people without access to basic services and vulnerable to diseases such as cholera, malaria and COVID-19. The country has recorded more than 9,000 confirmed cases and over 1,700 deaths from the coronavirus, but the actual numbers are likely much higher due to limited testing and reporting.

The humanitarian response in Yemen is severely underfunded, with only 56% of the $3.85 billion required for 2021 received as of December. The UN and its partners have warned that they may have to cut or reduce vital programs, such as food, water, health and protection, unless more funds are urgently provided. The UN has also appealed for the full reopening of all ports and airports, the lifting of restrictions on imports and movements, and the payment of salaries to public sector workers, especially health workers.

Prospects for Peace

Despite the bleak outlook, there are some glimmers of hope for peace in Yemen. The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has been engaging with various parties and stakeholders to revive the stalled political process and reach a nationwide ceasefire. He has also proposed a set of principles to guide the negotiations, such as the preservation of Yemen’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, the inclusion of women and youth, and the respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.

The Special Envoy has also welcomed the recent initiatives by regional and international actors, such as Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iran, the US and the EU, to support the peace efforts and address the root causes of the conflict. He has urged all sides to seize the opportunity and demonstrate the political will and courage to end the war and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.

The Special Envoy has stressed that the only way to resolve the conflict in Yemen is through dialogue and compromise, not through military means or external interference. He has called on all Yemenis to join hands and work together for a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future for their country.