The Foreign Minister calls on the Red Cross to intensify efforts to alleviate the impact of the Taiz blockade and address the detainee issue.

Yemeni Foreign Minister Discusses Humanitarian Situation with Red Cross President

Yemen’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Afrah Al-Zubait, spoke with Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), regarding the humanitarian situation in Yemen amid the escalation of Houthi militia activities. The conversation focused on ways to enhance cooperation between the Yemeni government and the ICRC.

Impact of Houthi Blockade on Taiz

During the call, Minister Al-Zubait highlighted the consequences of the blockade imposed by Houthi militias on the city of Taiz for the past twelve years. She emphasized the ongoing humanitarian suffering caused by road closures and the obstruction of food and medical supplies. Al-Zubait warned that the fuel shortage resulting from the blockade could lead to the cessation of vital services in the city’s hospitals. She urged the ICRC to intervene urgently to facilitate the regular delivery of fuel and medical supplies.

Attacks on Health Facilities

The minister also addressed the continued targeting of health facilities by the militias. She referenced a missile attack on the Al-Suqayah Health Center in Lahij Governorate, which resulted in casualties, including members of the medical staff.

Urgent Action for Abducted UN Staff

Al-Zubait stressed the need for action regarding the situation of United Nations employees and humanitarian workers abducted by the militias. She recalled the crime of the murder of UN employee Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Shami, who was killed while in detention after being subjected to kidnapping and enforced disappearance.

Call for Increased Red Cross Efforts

The minister called on the ICRC to intensify its efforts to visit detainees, assess their conditions, and work towards their release. She also urged the organization to uncover the fate of the forcibly disappeared and to return the bodies of the deceased in detention centers to their families.

Violations Against Civilians

Al-Zubait outlined various violations committed by the militias against civilians. These include using residents as human shields, converting populated areas into military sites, indiscriminately planting landmines, and recruiting children. She also mentioned the restrictions and pressures faced by humanitarian organizations and relief workers.

Commitment to Supporting Humanitarian Efforts

The minister emphasized the importance of basing international reports on verified and independently confirmed information. She reiterated the Yemeni government’s commitment to providing all necessary facilities for the ICRC’s operations and offices across various governorates.

Red Cross President Acknowledges Cooperation

In response, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger expressed appreciation for the cooperation shown by the Yemeni government with the ICRC mission. She reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to neutrality and humanitarian work, as well as its ongoing efforts to address the issues of detainees and the forcibly disappeared in Yemen.

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