The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is not an accident or a natural phenomenon. Breaches of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law during the two-year old conflict have precipitated the largest humanitarian crisis in the world, affecting 18 million people. All parties to the conflict have shown disregard for civilian lives and infrastructure and have impeded the timely and effective delivery of humanitarian relief to civilians in need.

At the same time, the international community has failed to mobilise its funding to meet the overwhelming need or its sustained attention to facilitate a political settlement. Critical funding and adjustments to import restrictions and barriers are required to facilitate importation of humanitarian supplies and safeguard vital transport installations and services. 

A political settlement to the ongoing conflict remains the only means to avert famine. In the meantime, the single greatest barrier to easing the suffering of Yemen’s people remains humanitarian access.