Multiple UN breakthroughs in Yemen amidst ongoing conflict

23.7.2015 The UN has made progress on multiple fronts in Yemen this week as food aid was delivered and efforts to protect cultural heritage were initiated.

 UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched an emergency plan to protect cultural sites in the Yemenite cities of Sana'a, Aden, Taez, Zabid, Saa'da and Marib, as they are at increased risk because of the fighting. Voicing the need to act quickly, Yemen’s Ambassador to UNESCO, Ahmed Sayyad said of these cities that, “…they are the past and present for all Yemenis. They are the past and present for every Arab, every Muslim. They are the past and present for every man and woman, whatever their religion or their identity.”

While many sites have already been affected by the conflict, the recently lauded efforts by the people of Timbukto demonstrate how rebuilding and common ground are always possible, both amid and post-conflict.

Since the conflict started in March “…at least 1,693 civilians [had been killed], with another 3,829 injured” (OHCHR).

Earlier this week, the ship MV Han Zhi, arrived at the port of Aden with 3,000 metric tons of food, enough for 180,000 people for one month.  More WFP-chartered ships are on stand-by near Aden, also carrying fuel and more food.

“This is a major breakthrough for our humanitarian response in Yemen”, said Muhannad Hadi, the WFP Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and Eastern Europe in a statement. Adding that, “While we have been able to reach several southern areas by land, docking at the port of Aden allows us to accelerate our response to meet urgent needs in southern Yemen.”