Monitoring Desk
CAIRO: The United Nations requested $4.3 billion at a pledging conference on Monday to address the suffering of millions of people in war-torn Yemen amid the worst humanitarian crises.
According to the UN Office Coordinating Humanitarian Affairs, over 21 million people in Yemen need protection and help. The organization says the humanitarian needs are shocking in Yemen. Among those in need, over 17 million are considered particularly vulnerable.
People of Yemen need UN support
“Yemeni people deserve our support. But they deserve a credible path out of the prolonged conflict and a fair chance to rebuild their country and communities,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said while addressing the donors.
Monday’s high-level conference is co-hosted by Switzerland and Sweden and the UN in Geneva.
In first pledge, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said her country would provide $127 million.
The $4.3 billion UN appeal for 2023 is almost double the $2.2 billion the UN received in 2022 to support its humanitarian program in Yemen. The organization had sought $4.27 billion for 2022.
This year’s conference comes as the international economy remains rattled by yearlong Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Inflation rates have increased over the past year worldwide, forcing many governments to focus on elevating the needs of their people.
UN brokered ceasefire
The donors’ conference is taking place as the warring parties continue to observe an informal and fragile truce. Efforts are in progress to declare a new ceasefire after the parties failed to renew an UN-brokered ceasefire in October.
“We have a real chance this year to change the trajectory of Yemen and move toward peace by expanding and renewing the truce,” UN Chief Guterres said.
The truce took effect in April and relieved Yemenis, especially in Houthi-controlled areas. It enabled commercial traffic to resume at the sea port of Hodeida and at Sanaa’s airport.
There have also been continuous Houthi attacks on oil facilities in government-controlled areas, resulting in the disruption of oil export, a significant source of funds for the government.
Climate change has added to the suffering. In the southwestern region of the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen is “at the forefront” of the global climate crisis, as natural calamities, including floods and arid weather, threaten lives, OCHA said.
