The humanitarian crisis in Yemen has reached a critical stage. In an attempt to target just one percent of Houthi rebels, the entire nation has been reduced to a rubble. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) knows the devastating impact of depleted uranium in the ammunition which is used to have precise destruction of the target goes on for decades.
Yemen lies in dire straits with no water, food, medicines, gas, fuel or health treatment. Many hospitals have been destroyed in the bombings and there is no oxygen for critically-ill patients. The only company supplying oxygen to hospitals has also been destroyed. The crisis is so alarming that even food trucks are also being targeted. Nearly 2.4 million people are facing a life and death situation.
The humanitarian crisis is unparalleled anywhere in the world. Although Afghanistan is facing a similar situation, we hope the crisis could not worsen further. The people of Yemen love Pakistan and have immense respect for us. Respect. It is heartbreaking to see the situation in Yemen. The people are friendly and welcoming. For this reason, Yemen is also called the Land of Smiles.
It is clearly stated in Articles 9 and 10 of the OIC Charter that member countries should prevent any humanitarian crisis from escalating. When the situation reaches an extreme, people are displaced and forced to migrate to other safe havens to protect their lives. We have seen that most people end up losing their lives in the desperate situation. The situation is similar in Yemen.
The UN Charter and convention on the status of refugees have a responsibility to save lives and protect the rights of displaced communities. Regrettably, most influential countries close their borders in violation of international laws and treaties, risking the lives of migrants. If the global community manages to enforce its charter, perhaps no humanitarian crisis will arise.
The Yemen conflict is creating a situation which can lead to the emergence of Al-Qaeda and ISIS in the country.
This can lead to increase terrorism like the UAE airport attack and the situation can heat up. In such a situation, Iran-backed sleeper cells can become active and cause chaos in Yemen and other countries to support the Houthis.
It is the need of the hour that Pakistan should prepare for the possible changing situation. There are around seven million Pakistanis based in the Middle East. We need to think about their fate before the situation worsens. We should hope the case is not similar after the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in the ’90s after which a large number of expatriates returned home and it was difficult to control them.
Translated by: MM News Editorial Team
