SANAA (April 23, 2018) – International humanitarian organizations 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 Saturday, April 21st 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 organizations 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 organization – 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.
CARE and international non-governmental organizations 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:
CARE
ACTED
ADRA
Danish Refugee Council
Norwegian Refugee Council
INTERSOS
Islamic Relief
Oxfam
Save the Children
ZOA International