One Big Thing: What can be done to bring peace to Yemen?

What is it?

• The United Nations characterized the conflict in Yemen as the worst humanitarian crisis in the world as the past 5 years of fighting between the regime and the Houthi Rebels has left 4 in 5 citizens in need of assistance.
• Yemen has been in a constant flux of conflict since it deposed its president in 2011, ushering in a period of promise but then plunged into chaos. The main adversaries are the internationally recognized government - backed by a Saudi Arabia-led coalition and Houthi rebels – supported by Iran, making this a complex proxy conflict.
• The conflict in Yemen has also led to the complete demise of its healthcare system and healthcare infrastructure. Notably, several neighboring countries have reported COVID-19 outbreaks and the virus’s proclivity to travel poses a huge danger to the Yemeni people.

Why is it important?

• If a COVID-19 outbreak was to occur in Yemen, the results would be disastrous. Previous disease outbreaks have demonstrated Yemen’s inability to response these types of crises as currently, more than half of the health facilities are closed or only partially functioning.
• Fortunately, on April 8, Yemen government troops announced a two-week ceasefire to allow the country to deal with COVID-19.
• Despite significant international pressure to reach a resolution, the fighting remains in stalemate leaving the Yemeni people in a constant state of conflict and insecurity.

What can you do?

• Learn more about the human rights situation in Yemen from Human Rights Watch’s 2020 World Report and International Crisis Group.
• Check out U.S. Congressional legislation on Yemeni human rights: House & Senate
• Support organizations like International Rescue Committee and Save the Children.