Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Brendan Smith TD has called on the United Nations to intervene and provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Yemen in light of the escalating conflict there. The Red Cross has been prevented from providing vital humanitarian assistance due to the violent clashes in the southern party of the country.
Deputy Smith stated, “The violence in Yemen has taken a most brutal turn and is undermining aid agencies’ efforts to provide humanitarian supplies to those who have been most affected by the conflict. The International Committee for the Red Cross has stated that they have failed to contract a cargo plane to provide relief due to the fighting taking place.
“I am calling on the UN to provide logistical support to the aid agencies operating in Yemen. The international community cannot allow a situation develop where humanitarian aid is available to assist those who have been affected by the violence but, due to logistical issues, is unable to reach them. This is where the UN has the expertise and the equipment necessary to intervene in an effective and positive way. Action should be taken immediately to prevent a worsening of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.”