UN expressed its regrets about the Houthi dismissing to prevent access to Safer Transporter
The United Nations showed its regret about the fact that the Houthi militias are keeping inhibit international experts to evaluate the Safer oil transporter that transported about 1.1 million barrels of crude oil off the Yemeni coast. In fact, the transporter has not been maintained for more than five years and there is a risk of leaking, which may cause environmental damage in the Red Sea.
The UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said during his daily press briefing on Wednesday that certain new postponements after additional demands made by the Houthis concentrate on logistics and security arrangements and it’s now difficult to say exactly when the mission could be deployed.
He also explained: Unfortunately, we can’t finalize mission preparations until all of the issues are resolved. We understand that many Member States, including donors to the project, are extremely concerned by these new delays. We, of course, share those concerns.
Dujarric informed reporters that the UN remains eager to deploy the mission at the earliest possible opportunity. This mission is an important first step to avert an environmental and humanitarian disaster. He also said that there is about 1.1 million barrels of oil on the vessel, saying: A leak would have devastating ecological, humanitarian and economic consequences, not only for the people of Yemen, but for the entire region around the Red Sea.
The UN spokesperson also alerted that the deteriorating situation in Marib governorate could force hundreds of thousands of residents to flee, appealing for an immediate de-escalation of violence.
Dujarric also stated At least 8,000 people have been displaced in Marib governorate in recent weeks due to the escalating hostilities. The vast majority of the displaced are women and children, adding that this comes on top of already high levels of displacement and humanitarian needs in that governorate. Displacement to and within Marib accounted for two-thirds of all displacements in Yemen last year, he also said.
Dujarric indicated that newly displaced households are receiving food, hygiene kits, health care and other assistance, alerting that a worsening of the situation could quickly overwhelm existing capacities and force hundreds of thousands to flee.
The UN encourages all parties in Yemen to redouble their efforts to support the work of Martin Griffiths in achieving a political solution and a nationwide ceasefire as soon as possible.
Moreover, the UN spokesperson also noted that the Yemen high-level promising event in March is a crucial opportunity for the international community to back the humanitarian response and show solidarity with Yemen’s people. He pointed out that about $3.85 billion is needed to provide humanitarian assistance and protection for 16 million people in Yemen in 2021.
