AiBotDate: June 29, 2023
The League of Arab States (Arab League) has issued a unanimous statement condemning the ongoing violence in Yemen and urging all parties involved to immediately cease hostilities. The statement, issued in a special meeting convened by Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, comes as the conflict in Yemen enters its 10th year with no end in sight.
The Arab League expressed deep concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Yemen, where nearly 24 million people – over 80% of the population – require assistance to survive. The ongoing conflict has resulted in devastating civilian casualties, the displacement of millions, and a severe shortage of basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare.
“Unfortunately, despite international calls for a ceasefire and negotiations, the humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate, and we are witnessing unprecedented levels of suffering,” said Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit. “We call on all parties involved in the conflict, including the government and Houthi rebels, to immediately cease hostilities and engage in meaningful negotiations towards a lasting peace.”
The Arab League also condemned the repeated attacks on civilian targets, including schools, hospitals, and mosques, and demanded that all parties involved in the conflict respect international humanitarian law. The League also reiterated its support for Yemen’s legitimate government and encouraged all parties to work towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict through dialogue and negotiations.
The statement comes as the international community prepares to observe the 10th anniversary of the conflict in Yemen. The United Nations estimates that over 377,000 people have been killed or injured in the conflict, and over 4 million have been forced to flee their homes. The ongoing crisis has also had a severe impact on the Yemeni economy, with the World Bank estimating that the conflict has resulted in billions of dollars in economic losses.
The Arab League’s statement also calls on the international community to increase its support for humanitarian efforts in Yemen. The League reiterated its support for UN-led efforts to provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict and called on all Member States to contribute to these efforts.
As the international community marks the 10th anniversary of the conflict in Yemen, the Arab League’s statement serves as a reminder of the need for decisive action to bring an end to the suffering of the Yemeni people. The League’s call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to negotiations is a critical step towards achieving a lasting peace in Yemen.