Nine years of war have left more than half the population, 18.2 million people, mainly women and children, in need of aid and protection services.

The humanitarian response in Yemen is the world’s largest, but has so far received only $435 million of a $2.7 billion plan for the country.

Life-saving aid in crisis

“Lack of funding poses challenges to the continuity of humanitarian programs. causing delays, reductions, or cancellations of life-saving support; program,” the partners said.

Approximately 190 humanitarian organizations statement On the eve of a major conference on Yemen, known as the 6th High-Level Conference, to be held in Brussels, the summit will be “a key moment to galvanize support and collective action to address the worsening crisis” He said it would be.

Yemeni government forces have been fighting Houthi rebels, who control most of the country, since 2014 with support from a Saudi-led coalition. The war in Gaza has further worsened the situation, with the Houthis attacking and influencing shipping in the Red Sea. global maritime trade.

“Standing at a crossroads”

“Today, Yemen is at a crossroads,” the partners said.They pointed out that A UN-brokered ceasefire has slightly improved the humanitarian situation. April 2022 and its virtual continuation will enable us to move towards resilience-building programs and drive sustainable solutions by addressing the drivers of needs.

“However, we cannot ignore the still serious humanitarian needs. We cannot respond without sufficient funds to respond.” they added.

Humanitarian needs continue to be driven by economic decline, deterioration of public services and infrastructure, displacement, and climate-related disasters.

Doing nothing will be “catastrophic”

Other threats include rising food insecurity and the risk of increased malnutrition rates, especially among pregnant and lactating women, the elderly, and children, and the spread of cholera during the current rainy season. included.

“Violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law continue, and the presence of explosive remnants of war results in death, injury and displacement, restricts access to agricultural land and resettlement, and impedes post-conflict reconstruction and development. This is hampering efforts,” they added.

partner Underscored their commitment to continue improving the quality of humanitarian assistance and maximizing its impact. and to expand cooperation and further promote Yemeni leadership in the response.

“But this will require sustained support from humanitarian partners,” they said, adding that “inaction will have devastating consequences for the lives of Yemeni women, children and men.” he warned.