The war in Yemen, which began in 2014, has escalated into one of the most catastrophic conflicts of our time, causing unparalleled human suffering and presenting serious legal and humanitarian challenges. The roots of this crisis can be traced to Yemen’s historical divisions between the North and South, which were never fully reconciled after their unification in 1990. These longstanding political and economic inequalities, compounded by governance failures and regional power struggles, have intensified the country’s instability. As the war deepened, it evolved into a complex, multi-layered conflict, involving multiple factions and international powers. The most devastating consequence has been the weaponization of starvation, where access to food and essential supplies is being deliberately obstructed. The Saudi-led coalition’s blockade has exacerbated this crisis, trapping millions of civilians in desperate conditions. The situation in Yemen has been described by the United Nations as the world’s worst humanitarian disaster. This report aims to shed light on the origins and progression of Yemen’s starvation crisis, explore the legal ramifications, and demand accountability for those responsible.
Starvation in Yemen is not just a byproduct of war—it is a violation of international law that warrants legal scrutiny and accountability. The international community must enforce the principles laid out in the Geneva Conventions, the Rome Statute, and human rights treaties to ensure that those responsible for using starvation as a weapon of war are held accountable. There is an urgent need for both individual criminal accountability and collective state responsibility to prevent further violations and address the ongoing crisis in Yemen. Legal frameworks must be strengthened to hold both state and non-state actors accountable for using starvation as a tactic of war, and the international community must take a more assertive role in ensuring that these norms are upheld. Without such actions, the suffering of millions of Yemenis will continue unchecked, and the global community will fail in its duty to protect basic human rights and dignity.
📥 The War in Yemen_ Background and Complexity