Humanitarian Organisations in Yemen Condemn Attacks and Call for Immediate Protection of Aid Workers

21 April 2018

International Non-Government Organisations working in Yemen condemn in the strongest terms the abhorrent attack on an ICRC vehicle that resulted in the killing of an employee of the International Committee of the Red Cross earlier today, 21 April 2018. We are deeply shocked by the death of Hanna Lahoud, a member of the humanitarian community who gave his life delivering assistance to people in dire need of aid. Our deepest condolences go to Hanna’s family, friends and colleagues at the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Humanitarian organisations in Yemen work in accordance with humanitarian principles of humanity, independence, neutrality and impartiality to deliver aid to populations affected by violent conflict. More than three quarters of Yemen’s population is in need of humanitarian assistance or protection that alleviates suffering and promotes dignity in the context of a war that is depriving many of the things they need to stay alive. An attack on humanitarian workers; UN, ICRC or non-government organisation – it is not only an attack on a humanitarian worker but also on the rights of people affected by conflict to receive  assistance and protection.

INGOs in Yemen call on all parties to the conflict, authorities in Yemen and the international community to take concrete steps that guarantee the protection of humanitarian personnel and materials, as is provided for under International Humanitarian Law. We will not allow violence of this kind to deter our efforts to support highly vulnerable people in Yemen but need absolute assurance we can do so with safety.

Endorsed by the following INGOs in Yemen:

ACTED
Action Contre la Faim
ADRA
CARE
Danish Refugee Council
Norwegian Refugee Council
INTERSOS
Islamic Relief
Oxfam
Save the Children
Solidarités International
ZOA International