Today, Monday, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, warned that 5 million Yemenis are on the brink of starvation, in light of the economic collapse in Yemen.
And Griffiths added today, Monday, in his first briefing to the UN Security Council since his appointment to this position, that there are 20 million Yemenis who need humanitarian assistance and protection.
He added that the security, economic and humanitarian situation in Yemen is deteriorating further, noting that clashes are still continuing in Marib (east of the capital Sanaa) and 50 other fronts.
In this context, the UN official indicated that more than 1,200 civilians have been killed in Yemen since the beginning of this year.
Opening the airport and port
In the same briefing, Griffiths called for the opening of Sana'a airport in order for humanitarian aid to arrive, and to open the way for citizens to travel, especially the sick.
He also said that the port of Hodeidah (western Yemen) must be opened without any restrictions.
It is noteworthy that the port of Hodeidah and Sanaa airport are under the control of the Houthi group.
Martin Griffiths served as the United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen for more than 3 years until last July, without succeeding in making progress towards a political settlement that ends the war in this country, after which he was appointed as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations for Humanitarian Affairs.