Yemen: ICRC prevented from delivering medical assistance to people in Maareb

Geneva/Sanaa (ICRC) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been denied access to the town of Maareb in central Yemen, where a large number of people are in urgent need of medical assistance.

"We very much regret the lack of access to Maareb, where hospitals face shortages of medical equipment. The wounded, including civilians and combatants, cannot get the lifesaving treatment they need", said the head of the ICRC delegation in Sana'a, Cedric Schweizer.

"We repeat our call for an immediate 24-hour humanitarian pause in hostilities. We ask all parties to allow and facilitate timely access to all affected areas around the country so we can deliver much-needed medical assistance," he stressed. "The humanitarian situation is getting worse by the hour.'

Human life and, the physical integrity and dignity of all, must be respected. The wounded civilians and combatants alike - must get the medical care they need and health-care facilities must be protected. Those who wish to leave for safer areas, must be allowed to do so. Those who choose to stay, or who are unable to leave, remain protected by international humanitarian law.