São Paulo – The United Nations’ humanitarian aid agencies have made a plea for US$ 1.6 billion in donations this Friday (19th) for the victims of the conflict underway in Yemen. The money will be spent on food, medication, fresh water and fighting disease. The UN speaks of 11.7 million people affected. Out of the total amount requested by the agencies, US$ 1.4 billion are needed before the end of this year.
The United Nations Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien, said that a “looming humanitarian catastrophe is facing Yemen.” He made the plea in Geneva, Switzerland.
“People across the country are struggling to feed their families. Basic services are collapsing in all regions. Millions of families no longer have access to clean water, proper sanitation or basic healthcare. Deadly diseases such as dengue and malaria have broken out, and supplies for acute trauma care are running dangerously low,” O’Brien said.
A coalition of Arab countries led by Saudi Arabia is shelling rebels in Yemen ever since president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Al-Hadi left the country late last March. Members of the Houthi militia took over the presidential palace, forcing the president to leave the country and seek shelter in Saudi Arabia.
According to the United Nations, “thousands” of people were killed or wounded in aerial and ground strikes. Over a million Yemenis fled their homes, and 80% of the country’s population of 21 million need some kind of humanitarian assistance.
The plea made this Friday is a revision of the 2015 Humanitarian Response Plan and provides for the purchase of food, water, shelter and medication to the conflict victims. In his address, O’Brien acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s announcement of a US$ 244.7 million donation, and said other countries have vowed to help.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
