Humanitarian aid: EU announces over €161.5 million for Yemen crisis

This brings total Commission support for Yemen since the beginning of the crisis in 2015 to €710 million.

The EU has played a leading international role in mobilising support for the Yemen crisis. In 2018, EU humanitarian support reached over 14 million people in Yemen, helping the most vulnerable like women and children caught up in the conflict. The EU has repeatedly urged all parties to the conflict to respect International Humanitarian Law and prioritise the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Today’s conference was co-hosted by the United Nations, Sweden and Switzerland and aims to boost humanitarian response to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable Yemenis.

Background

The unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Yemen is caused largely by attacks against civilians; the de facto blockade of imports; partial payment of public servants’ salaries; devaluation of national currency and obstruction of humanitarian assistance. This dramatic combination has brought the country on the edge of collapse with goods and services impacted by a never-ending inflation.

Over 24 million people (over 80% of the population) are in need of humanitarian assistance. 3.5 million people have been displaced. Nearly 20 million Yemenis are in need of food assistance and approximately 10 million are on the brink of famine. Yemen is suffering from widespread epidemics and malnutrition. After 4 years civilians have paid a heavy toll and violations of International Humanitarian Law by the parties continue to be reported.

In full respect of humanitarian principles, the EU channels its substantial aid through partner organisations to where needs are the highest. In addition to direct humanitarian funding, the European Commission supports the coordination and transport of humanitarian personnel and aid cargo.

For more information

European Commission – Press release

EU Humanitarian Assistance to Yemen