UN urges opening of humanitarian corridor to Taiz amid warnings for patients

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has warned of the dangers facing civilians in Yemen’s Taiz, calling for the immediate opening of a humanitarian corridor after Houthi forces closed the only road linking the city to Aden earlier this month. The closure comes as health and environmental conditions worsen, with mounting waste and fears of renewed disease outbreaks.

In a statement on Tuesday, Türk said, “The Houthis’ closure of the only supply route connecting Taiz to Aden exposes civilians to grave risks, blocks humanitarian aid, and prevents access to essential goods.” He added, “Humanitarian assistance must be allowed into the city immediately and its passage facilitated.”

The UN’s appeal coincides with warnings of a deteriorating health and environmental system in Taiz. Ilan Abdul Haq, Deputy Governor of Taiz for Health Affairs, said the situation is “at a critical stage that threatens the lives of hundreds of patients,” especially those in intensive care, children in incubators, and patients with kidney failure and cancer.

Speaking to Al Arabiya and Al Hadath on Monday, Abdul Haq said local authorities have taken emergency measures to reduce waste accumulation, including establishing a temporary landfill within the city. However, she said Houthi forces have resumed targeting cleaning efforts and blocked machinery from reaching the site.

She explained that the disruption has led to waste piling up in streets and residential areas, causing foul odors. Abdul Haq warned that if the situation continues, it could create conditions for the return of epidemics, especially cholera.

Residents have expressed frustration over the worsening crisis and the spread of foul smells in markets and streets, urging local and international authorities to intervene urgently to lift restrictions hampering cleaning operations and to enable the removal and disposal of waste to prevent further health and environmental risks.

Concerns go beyond health and environmental deterioration to a broader humanitarian crisis, as restrictions on roads and essential supplies persist. The Yemeni organization Rasd for Rights and Freedoms has warned of a looming humanitarian disaster due to the ongoing siege of Taiz and the blockade of food, fuel, medicine, and water, calling on the UN and international community to act swiftly to open roads and ensure aid delivery.

The European Union has previously called on the Houthis to immediately lift the siege of Taiz and allow the entry of food, water, medicine, and fuel. The Yemeni government and local authorities continue efforts to rally international support and facilitate the delivery of vital supplies to residents and service facilities.