Sana’a, 21 April 2018 – The United Nations is deeply shocked by the killing of an aid worker from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) which occurred today in Taizz Governorate.

“We condemn this terrible and unjustified shooting,” said Lise Grande, Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen.

“Humanitarians are working around-the-clock to provide food, medical care, shelter, water and survival items to millions of people who have been impacted by this devastating conflict,” said Ms.Grande. “We cannot do what we have to do if we are unsafe and fear for our lives.”

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family of our ICRC colleague and to everyone in ICRC,”said Ms. Grande.

“Parties to the conflict are obliged under international humanitarian law to do everything possible to protect civilians and ensure they have the assistance they need to survive. We cannot stress enough the obligation of the parties to protect the people who provide this aid.”

Yemen is the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. Twenty-two million people, 75 percent of the population, require some form of humanitarian assistance and protection. More than 190 partners are currently working across Yemen to provide life-saving aid. At a conference in Geneva on 3 April, forty countries pledged more than USD 2 billion to support humanitarian operations in Yemen.