Heightened tensions do not bode well for success of Yemen ceasefire

Oxfam, Action Contre La Faim, ADRA, CARE, Danish Refugee Council, Intersos, Mercy Corps, Norwegian Refugee Council, Save the Children and World Relief Germany, as INGOs operating in Yemen, welcome the recent announcement by the UN’s Special Envoy to Yemen, Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, regarding the commencement of a 72-hour ceasefire on Wednesday 19 October at 23:59. We further welcome recent diplomatic efforts by the international community to support this and hope that it will pave the way for a permanent cessation of hostilities and an inclusive resolution to the conflict.

However, the recent spike in violence and heightened tensions do not bode well for the success of this ceasefire. Previous attempted ceasefires have – at best – resulted in a partial reduction in violence in only some areas. We therefore implore all parties to the conflict to abide by the terms of the ceasefire and to resume peace negotiations.

The war in Yemen started over a year and a half ago and has resulted in severe and widespread human suffering. Over 4000 civilians have been killed and more than 7000 injured as a direct result of the conflict. With over three million people forced from their homes and close to half the population facing hunger, an end to the conflict is long overdue.