The United Nations and its partners have launched an appeal for $4 billion in aid for Yemen, which has been devastated by nearly a decade of war and conflict. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated that the 2024 humanitarian response plan requires $2.7 billion for life-saving assistance and protection services, with an additional $1.3 billion needed for sustainable development.
The appeal for urgent support is aimed at helping over 18.2 million civilians in Yemen who have faced tremendous suffering daily for more than nine years. The country has been plagued by conflict, economic deterioration, severely disrupted public infrastructure and services, as well as climate change. UN humanitarian coordinator Peter Hawkins emphasized the importance of not turning our backs on the people of Yemen and appealed to donors for their continued and urgent support to save lives, build resilience, and fund sustainable interventions.
Yemen, the poorest country in the Arabian Peninsula, has been in the grip of conflict since 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels overran the capital city of Sanaa. This triggered a Saudi-led military intervention in support of the government the following year. The ongoing conflict has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths directly from fighting or indirectly due to lack of food, making it one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
According to OCHA, an estimated 17.6 million people in Yemen are facing acute food insecurity in 2024. The country is experiencing some of the highest malnutrition rates ever recorded, and the situation continues to worsen. The $2.7 billion requested for life-saving assistance and protection services will help address this dire situation and provide much-needed aid to those in need.
In addition to immediate relief efforts, the appeal also emphasizes the importance of sustainable development in Yemen. The requested $1.3 billion will be used to fund projects that aim to rebuild infrastructure, improve public services, and create long-term solutions to the challenges faced by the Yemeni people. This includes initiatives to address the impact of climate change, which has further exacerbated the country’s already dire situation.
The international community has a responsibility to support Yemen and its people during this critical time. The $4 billion appeal is a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to come together and provide the necessary resources to alleviate the suffering of millions of Yemenis. It is crucial to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it the most and that sustainable solutions are implemented to break the cycle of dependency on external assistance.
The situation in Yemen is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of prolonged conflict and the urgent need for international cooperation and support. By responding to this appeal, the global community can make a significant difference in the lives of millions of Yemenis, providing them with hope, stability, and a chance for a better future. It is time to stand in solidarity with the people of Yemen and work towards lasting peace and prosperity in the region.