UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- The UN deputy emergency relief coordinator, Joyce Msuya, on Thursday called for more funds for humanitarian aid in Yemen.

While long-term support is essential, millions of people in Yemen continue to depend on humanitarian assistance, she told the Security Council in a briefing.

According to new estimates that will be released on Friday, 17 million people will be facing acute food insecurity during the fourth quarter of this year. While this is still an alarmingly high number, it is 2 million people less than earlier projections. Moreover, the number of people estimated to be in famine-like conditions is projected to go down from 161,000 people to zero, she said.

The smaller numbers represent a major achievement. But the global food security situation remains fragile, and the international community cannot let these and other gains go to waste, she said.

Msuya, who is currently in Yemen for a visit, called for continued donor support.

The UN humanitarian appeal for Yemen has received 2 billion U.S. dollars so far, less than half of the money needed, with less than three months left in the year, she said via a video link from Hodeidah.

This is why the United Nations allocated 20 million dollars from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) last month, which will be used to support underfunded sectors in the humanitarian response. This brings total CERF funding for Yemen to 60 million dollars for 2022, she noted.

Humanitarians depend on a conducive operating environment to do their work. Unfortunately, this is becoming increasingly elusive in Yemen. Attempted interference, bureaucratic impediments, security incidents and other access constraints continue to affect humanitarian delivery to millions of people, said Msuya, who is also UN assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs.

Two UN colleagues have been detained in Sanaa for almost a year, while five UN staff are still missing after having been abducted in Abyan in February, she said. "We renew our call for their immediate release."

During her visit, she discussed these issues with the Yemeni government, including the continued impact of security incidents on the humanitarian operation. She also raised the issue of access constraints with the Houthi de facto authority, including movement restrictions that affect national humanitarian staff, particularly female staff, as well as the need to ensure adequate conditions for the principled, timely and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance, said Msuya.

"As we stare down an uncertain road, the aid operation will be even more essential. Every single effort to address access constraints means that we can reach more people with the assistance they need. This is also what international humanitarian law requires: the facilitation of rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief and the protection of humanitarian personnel and assets," she said.

Fortunately, there has been no significant intensification of clashes after a truce expired on Oct. 2. However, civilians still face terrible dangers. Landmines and other explosive hazards have continued to be the main cause of civilian casualties, she said.

In September, 70 civilians were reportedly killed or injured by landmines, improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance. The impacts of these hazards go far beyond killing and maiming: they convert simple everyday activities, like farming, fishing or walking to school, into possible life-or-death scenarios. There is a need for urgent action to reduce this threat, she said.

Civilians in Yemen face many perils beyond the direct impact of conflict. The country's deteriorating economy and collapsing basic services are the main drivers of people's needs, she added.

Humanitarians are doing their best to address the most urgent needs. But they cannot do this alone and cannot substitute the roles of others. Substantial support from donors, development actors and international financial institutions is needed to turn this tide and chart a path forward, said Msuya.

The truce sparked hope that peace may, finally, be possible. The international community cannot let this be extinguished. The Yemeni people want and deserve peace so that they can be empowered, rebuild their lives, and dream of a better future, she said. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)