São Paulo – The United Nations (UN) put out a plea this Wednesday (8) for USD 2.1 billion in humanitarian aid for the Yemeni population. It is the biggest amount ever requested to the benefit of the Arab country, amid an ongoing war.
“Two years of war have devastated Yemen… Without international support, they may face the threat of famine in the course of 2017 and I urge donors to sustain and increase their support to our collective response,” a press release quoted UN undersecretary for Humanitarian Affairs Stephen O’Brien as saying.
““Humanitarian partners are ready to respond. But they need timely, unimpeded access, and adequate resources, to meet the humanitarian needs wherever they arise,” O’Brien said.
According to the UN’s press release, last year, 120 national and international partners, the UN included, assisted over 5.6 million people affected by the Yemeni war.
The UN’s request could help 12 million people, but over two thirds of the Yemeni population – 18.8 million – are in need of humanitarian aid.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
