Local Editor
The United Nations says it is giving its largest emergency relief allocation ever, $50 million, to Yemen to help the more than 22 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
Mark Lowcock, undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief, said in a statement Friday that he remains "deeply concerned" by the deterioration in the humanitarian situation in Yemen. He said the situation has been made worse by recent increases in fighting and airstrikes.
Lowcock said for the "unfolding catastrophe" to be quelled, three things must happen: There must be a reduction in fighting, both on the ground and in terms of airstrikes; ports must remain open for transport of humanitarian supplies; and donor financing must come faster and in greater amounts.
He said many people in Yemen are now completely reliant on humanitarian aid to survive. He said the new funding will go toward the most vulnerable people in 27 districts at risk of famine, and to other areas where conflict has recently escalated.
Finally, Lowcock called for an end to fighting in Yemen, facilitated by a cease to hostilities and meaningful engagement with the United Nations to achieve "a lasting political settlement."
Source: News Agencies, Edited by Website Team
