Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake

on the situation in Yemen

Earlier this month, Mark Lowcock, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, called on all parties to the conflict to provide safe, rapid, unhindered humanitarian access to people in need, through all ports and airports, including Hudaydah port and Sana’a airport.

A student stands in the ruins of one of his former classrooms, which was destroyed in June 2015, at the Aal Okab school in Saada, Saada Governorate, Yemen, Monday 24 April 2017. Students now attend lessons in UNICEF tents nearby. (CNW Group/UNICEF Canada)

“The recent closure of all ports and airports is making an already catastrophic situation even worse.”

“Today, nearly 400,000 children in Yemen are at risk of death from severe acute malnutrition. To potentially add tens of thousands more children to this toll – tens of thousands more personal catastrophes for children and grieving parents – is simply inhuman.”

“Children are not responsible for the conflict and carnage created by the adults. But they are the first victims.”

About UNICEF

UNICEF has saved more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more.

“We must ask all the parties: What kind of Yemen do the ultimate victors expect to gain as they destroy it?”

UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, they are active in over 190 countries – more than any other organization. Their determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicef.ca. For updates, follow them on Twitter and Facebook or visit unicef.ca.