Yemen Peace Talks have begun in Stockholm, Sweden on 6 December, at a time when the humanitarian crisis reaches a peak as a result of the four-year-long conflict.
An estimated 10,000 people are said to have died in the conflict, however a University of Sussex research project says that this figure is a vast underestimation, and that as many as 50,000 have died due to the conflict.
In addition, more than 22 million people are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance and protection.
UN Envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, addressed the reporters as the talks began:
“During the coming days we will have a critical opportunity to give momentum to the peace process,”
The last attempt this year at a peaceful resolution to the conflict took place in September 2018, but talks failed as the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels failed to turn up to the meetings.
All parties have attended this attempt for reconciliation, which is in itself a considerable milestone, as the level of distrust between parties is deep. Despite their attendance, the talks remain fractious as warring parties carry out discussions in separate rooms, with a diplomatic intermediary moving between the two parties.
Reporting from Johannesburg Castle just outside Stockholm, where the talks are taking place, the BBC’s Lyse Doucet said,
“So deep is distrust between warring sides that even showing up for talks for the first time in two years is a significant breakthrough and an achievement for UN envoy Martin Griffiths.”
Mr. Griffiths confirmed on 7 December that an agreement had been signed by both sides allowing an exchange of prisoners, a move that is designed as a confidence building measure and that will be overseen by the International Committee of the Red Cross once the talks end. The UN envoy said this exchange would benefit thousands of families.
Famine declared in some parts of Yemen
The international community is rooting for the success of the peace talks as the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing war is approaching critical mass.
A Foreign Policy report of 5 December said that the World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization have officially determined that 73,000 Yemeni civilians in rebel-controlled cities are enduring famine conditions.
Extended warnings from the UN indicate that Yemen is on the brink of the world’s worst famine in 100 years if the war continues. Several other international aid agencies have warned of the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, including a shocking report from Save the Children last month that estimated 85,000 children under the age of 5 had starved to death in the protracted conflict.
Despite these shocking figures, widespread famine has not yet been declared across Yemen. In order for this to be officially declared, 20 per cent of the population of any town or district in the country of 28 million people would have to experience hunger. Statistics indicate Yemen is right on the brinks of reaching that benchmark of “widespread famine”
Eight towns and cities, including Hajjah and Taiz, that are controlled by the Houthis have been hardest-hit by the crisis due to the Houthis refusal to permit the distribution of food parcels, according to a Foreign Policy report.
However, the quickest way for the humanitarian crises to stop is to end the war; allowing aid to reach those that need it.
Although the talks are a landmark moment in the crisis, some analysts and diplomats seemed sceptical of a breakthrough at the summit. UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt remained positive in a tweet he posted during the meetings:
“Positive announcement on prisoner exchanges on day 1 of Yemen peace talks. It is another measure that I discussed during my visits to Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iran. Vital to build confidence between parties if we are to get a lasting political solution to this horrendous conflict.”