Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen: Innocent civilians wounded and killed during attacks on hospitals in Sa’ada and Taizz

Sana’a – At least seven civilians were killed and eight injured as a result of an airstrike yesterday on a hospital in Kitaf District in Sa’ada Governorate. Reports from the area confirm that insecurity is making rescue efforts difficult.

Three days ago, one of the main public hospitals in Taizz City was forced to close because of significant damage caused by intensified fighting. At least two civilians have been killed and five injured during fighting and attacks in Taizz City and Al Ashrafia areas in the Al Mudhaffer District.

“International humanitarian law is unequivocal on this point,” said Ms. Lise Grande, Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen. “Parties which resort to arms are required to do everything possible to protect hospitals and health facilities. This is not a voluntary commitment—it is a fundamental responsibility.”

“Cholera is starting to spread like wild-fire across the country. In the past three months, we’ve seen 200 deaths and more than 110,000 suspected cases,” said Ms. Grande. “It’s unconscionable that facilities are being destroyed just when people need them the most.”

Yemen is the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Nearly 80 per cent of the total population, 24.1 million people, requires some form of humanitarian assistance and protection. Ten million people are a step away from famine and starvation and 7 million people are malnourished.

The 2019 Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan (YHRP) requires US$4.2 billion to assist more than 20 million Yemenis including 10 million people who rely entirely on humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs every month. As of today, the YHRP is 5 per cent funded.