Next week President Trump will go to Riyadh for meetings with Saudi and other Gulf leaders. Scott Paul, Oxfam senior humanitarian policy advisor, made the following statement.
“President Trump must keep the urgent humanitarian situation in Yemen at the forefront of his mind as he visits Saudi Arabia. 18.8 million Yemenis are in need of humanitarian aid, and 7 million are on the verge of famine due to the ongoing conflict, while the country is also facing one of its worst cholera outbreaks in recent years.
“All sides in the conflict have committed atrocities, destroying critical civilian infrastructure including schools, hospitals and water sources, leaving millions without access to food or clean water in one of the most water-poor countries in the world. Now, the Saudi-led coalition is considering a new offensive to capture the port of Hodeidah, which brings in much of the food still available in Yemen; such an attack would almost certainly push the country over the edge.
“Mr. Trump: Take this opportunity to stand up for people who need it most. Forging peace after years of conflict will not be easy; none of the parties are inclined to settle for less than total victory, but the choice before us is between peace and famine. Tell Saudi leaders that it’s time for the parties to come to the table and negotiate an end to years of conflict.”
