The United Nations said on Wednesday recent violence has taken a heavy toll on Yemenis with an estimate 1,000 people killed and at least 150,000 displaced from their homes.
Public and civilian infrastructure has been destroyed and people’s livelihoods disrupted, it said in a press release.
Schooling has been disrupted and basic social services in many areas have ground to a halt, the statement said, while welcoming the announcement by the Saudi-led coalition ending the Operation Decisive Storm campaign.
“Again the Yemeni people have demonstrated firm resilience. This specific time provides Yemenis with an opportunity to again choose and determine the direction they want for their country,’ said Paolo Lembo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Yemen. “Your pain will heal, and again you will prevail. I urge you to refrain from hatred, adapt a non-violent approach to conflict, and return again to the long path towards a prosperous and peaceful future.”
The Arab coalition launched the operation after a coup and violence by the Houthi militant group and forces loyal to ex-president.
The United Nations and partners continue to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance and protection, through the competence of national staff and a strong network of international and local partners, the statement said.
We now call for the unimpeded entry of commercial supplies to Yemen, especially of food and fuel, so that people can regain a sense of dignity in a continuously fluid situation, it said.
While humanitarian and urgent needs are being addressed, a lasting solution can only be found through political efforts, it said.