UN Warns of Worsening Humanitarian Situation in Taiz, Calls for Safe Corridors
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Laurent Bukera, has warned of the rapid deterioration of the humanitarian and economic situation in Taiz governorate, cautioning against the consequences of road closures and insecurity on the delivery of essential supplies and vital services to the population.
In a statement issued from Aden on Tuesday, Bukera said that road closures and insecurity are obstructing the arrival of vital supplies, including fuel, to the city of Taiz and its surrounding areas, threatening the lives of millions and depriving them of access to essential goods and services.
He explained that the health system is on the verge of collapse amid shortages of power supplies needed to run hospitals and medical oxygen, threatening the lives of hundreds of patients.
He added that the prices of remaining food and fuel have more than doubled, increasing the burden on families already struggling to secure their basic needs.
The UN official pointed out that hundreds of thousands of families are facing difficulty obtaining water, as the city's water production has been halved and available alternatives are depleted.
He affirmed that the United Nations and its partners are continuing their efforts to support those in need in Taiz and are working to bring essential goods, services, and medical supplies into the city.
Bukera called on the Houthi de facto authorities to urgently open safe corridors to allow unimpeded entry of essential goods, food, medicine, and humanitarian aid to the city of Taiz and the most vulnerable populations.
He stressed that ensuring safe and unrestricted humanitarian access is essential to maintaining vital services and reaching affected communities, warning that hunger, preventable diseases, and injuries could lead to more casualties.
He also emphasized the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure at all times, and to respect international humanitarian law.
Source: United Nations
