After outcry from the international community, a Saudi-led coalition fighting against rebel militia groups in Yemen announced that they would reopen select ports in the next 24 hours to allow humanitarian aid to enter the country.

These ports are located in the cities of Aden, Mocha and Mukalla, according to reports.

Last week, Global Citizen reported on the Saudi-led coalition’s decision to completely close down all land, sea, and air borders in Yemen after rebel militias targeted a Saudi city with powerful missiles. The action caused controversy in a country where conflict and famine are contributing to what is being called the worst humanitarian crisis of our time.

Read More: Humanitarian Aid Was Just Blocked to the Country Facing the World’s Biggest Humanitarian Crisis

Yemen has been embroiled in a proxy war for the last several years between the government, backed by Saudi Arabia, and rebel groups, backed by Iran. The fallout has been absolutely devastating.

The UN reported that almost 5,000 civilians have been killed in the conflict since 2015, and another 8,000 injured. In an already poor nation, the agricultural disruptions resulting from fighting have left millions on the brink of famine. Hundreds of thousands more have been diagnosed with cholera, but have little access to medical attention.

Global Citizen campaigns on the United Nations’ Global Goals for Sustainable Development, which call for access to healthcare, education, and food security — all of which are lacking in Yemen due to conflict. You can take action on these issues here.

The BBC reports that aid deliveries can now continue after the UN addresses the Yemeni government’s concerns over the alleged movement of weapons into the country through rebel-held ports.

Read More: Yemen: we need to shine a light on this crisis

Many are advocating for even more border openings, citing the severity of needs across the entire country.

"The delivery of life-saving supplies is critical for the Yemeni population and must be facilitated by all parties to the conflict," said Christos Stylianides, the European Union’s commissioner for humanitarian aid and crisis management.

“The EU shares the concerns expressed by [The UN], and calls for full and unrestrained access to be restored immediately, to avoid Yemen suffering the largest famine in decades.”

TopicsSaudi ArabiaFamineYemenConflictHumanitarian aid

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Yemen Will Finally Open Its Borders for Humanitarian Aid After Global Outcry

By Andrew McMaster