UN Negotiates Humanitarian Access as Yemen Faces Worst Famine Threat

Crisis Overview

The United Nations warns that Yemen faces its worst humanitarian crisis since the conflict began, with 20 million people requiring urgent assistance. Ongoing blockades and military operations have created what aid agencies call a “perfect storm” of starvation, disease, and displacement.

Current Humanitarian Metrics

• 20 million need humanitarian aid (80% of population)
• 2.2 million children facing acute malnutrition
• 4.5 million internally displaced
• 70% of health facilities non-functional

Access Negotiations

UN Special Envoy Efforts

Martin Griffiths is mediating between:

• Houthi authorities: Control north including Sanaa
• Government forces: Hold south and east
• Saudi-led coalition: Controls air and sea access
• Local militias: Fragment aid routes

Key Sticking Points

1. Hodeidah port access for food imports
2. Sanaa airport opening for medical evacuations
3. Land corridors through frontline areas
4. Fuel imports for hospitals and water pumps

Famine Indicators

Food Security Crisis

• Wheat imports down 60%
• Food prices increased 150%
• Agricultural production collapsed
• Fishing industry destroyed

“We are witnessing the deliberate starvation of an entire population” - WFP Director

Disease Outbreaks

Collapsing health systems face:

• Cholera: 150,000 suspected cases
• COVID-19: Uncontrolled spread
• Diphtheria: First outbreak in decades
• Malaria: 40% increase

Military Dynamics Affecting Aid

Recent Escalations

• Marib offensive disrupts aid routes
• Hodeidah shelling damages port facilities
• Taiz siege enters 8th year
• Cross-border strikes increase

Parties’ Positions

Houthis: Demand lifting of blockade first Government: Insist on weapons inspections Coalition: Cite security concerns UN: Calls for unconditional access

International Response

Donor Fatigue

2025 Yemen appeal severely underfunded:

• Required: $4.3 billion
• Pledged: $1.2 billion
• Delivered: $430 million

Diplomatic Pressure

• US threatens sanctions on obstruction
• EU conditions arms sales on access
• China offers mediation
• Russia blocks Security Council action

The UN warns that without immediate breakthrough, Yemen faces famine conditions that could kill hundreds of thousands in coming months.