The Commission is providing €125 million in new EU humanitarian funding to address the most pressing needs of people in Yemen amidst the ongoing crisis and escalating tensions in the region. The announcement comes on the occasion of the sixth Senior Officials Meeting on Yemen, chaired by Commissioner Janez Lenarčič in Brussels.
The funding will be channelled exclusively through the EU’s humanitarian partners, including UN agencies and NGOs actively involved in the response, supporting vulnerable communities affected by Yemen’s decade-long conflict, displacement, and climate emergencies.
Aid will support food security and assistance for malnutrition, health and specialised protection services and demining activities among others. Dedicated programmes for education and child protection will also be supported.
To respond to the urgent health crisis triggered by outbreaks of infectious diseases in Yemen, since February this year the EU has also organised 13 Humanitarian Air Bridge flights and is in the process of launching another operation this month consisting of 24 flights. These aid deliveries have amongst others helped tackle the cholera outbreak in the country.
Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “As Yemen approaches a decade of devastating conflict, it is yet again the innocent people of Yemen who continue to pay the most devastating price. Over half of its population continues to suffer the consequences of conflict, an economic collapse, natural hazards and disease outbreaks. While a political solution is crucial, it is our duty to provide life-saving assistance to those in need and ensure amore sustained support from the humanitarian and development communities. That is why we have gathered today and I am glad to reaffirm the European Union’s contribution of €125 million in humanitarian aid to ease the crisis. Yemenis cannot wait.”
Background
Yemen continues to be of the world’s most severe and protracted humanitarian crises, with an estimated 18,2 million people – over 1/2 of the population – in need of humanitarian assistance and protection services. This dire situation, compounded by years of conflict, continued displacement and severe funding shortages, underscores the critical need for immediate and sustained humanitarian interventions and support from development actors.
In response to these pressing challenges, the European Union has remained steadfast in its support for the people of Yemen. Since 2015, the EU has contributed almost €1.5 billion to address the Yemeni crisis, including over €1 billion in humanitarian aid.
