Famine In Yemen (2016–present)

Famine in Yemen (2016–present)

The famine in Yemen (2016–present) is a severe humanitarian crisis that has resulted in widespread malnutrition and death among the population of Yemen. The famine is a direct result of the ongoing Yemeni Civil War and the blockade imposed by the Saudi Arabian-led coalition, which has severely restricted access to food, fuel, and medicine.

Background

The Yemeni Civil War began in 2015, when Houthi rebels took control of the capital, Sana'a, and ousted President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. In response, a coalition of Arab states led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates launched a military intervention to restore Hadi's government. The conflict has since escalated into a full-scale war, with both sides accused of committing war crimes.

Causes of the Famine

The primary cause of the famine in Yemen is the ongoing conflict and the blockade imposed by the Saudi-led coalition. The blockade has severely restricted the import of food, fuel, and medicine, leading to widespread shortages. Additionally, the destruction of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and ports, has made it difficult to distribute aid and supplies.

Impact

The famine has had a devastating impact on the population of Yemen. According to the United Nations, more than 20 million people, or 70% of the population, are in need of humanitarian assistance. An estimated 2.2 million children are suffering from acute malnutrition, and more than 85,000 children under the age of five have died from starvation or disease.

International Response

The international response to the famine in Yemen has been criticized as inadequate. While the United Nations has called for an end to the blockade and for increased humanitarian aid, these calls have largely been ignored. Several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and France, have been criticized for their continued arms sales to Saudi Arabia, despite evidence of war crimes and the humanitarian crisis.

See Also

• Yemeni Civil War (2015–present)
• Humanitarian crisis
• Blockade
• War crime