2022 Hybrid UN Yemen Humanitarian Pledging Conference: UK statement
Rt Hon Amanda Milling MP, Minister for Asia and the Middle East, delivered the UK statement during the Yemen Humanitarian Pledging Conference.
Friends and colleagues,
We all have a responsibility to help the millions of people in Yemen who are desperately in need. Next week, the conflict enters its eighth year.
The humanitarian situation - as we have heard - is incredibly bleak. It is the worst ever, and likely to get worse.
I would like to thank the UN, Switzerland and Sweden for hosting this conference, and all of those generously pledging today.
Your contributions will make a positive difference.
The humanitarian teams working tirelessly on the front line of this crisis are facing enormous challenges. Food prices are higher than ever, with the Russian invasion in Ukraine placing even greater pressure on food prices and availability.
Humanitarian organisations will only be able to deliver vital assistance if Yemeni authorities ensure their safety. They must also remove rules that are blocking and delaying aid, and disrupting the import of key commodities, including fuel.
In the face of these challenges, monitoring and data collection will play an important role for aid agencies and charities.
As will listening to the voices and views of the ordinary Yemenis they are striving to help. These are the keys to ensuring that the humanitarian response is as targeted and efficient as possible.
The UK will continue to play its part in responding to the crisis.
We have provided more than one billion pounds in aid to Yemen since the start of the conflict. Over the course of our coming financial year, we will provide at least 88 million pounds more.
This will help feed at least two hundred thousand people every month. It will provide lifesaving health care for 800,000 women and children, and treat 85,000 severely malnourished children.
But, ultimately, only a ceasefire and sustainable peace can end the humanitarian crisis.
We condemn the continued Houthi cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and urge all sides to engage in serious dialogue to end the conflict.
I call on all parties to engage constrictively with the UN Special Envoy’s consultations.
This year more than ever, it is critical for the people of Yemen that all sides seize the opportunity for peace.
Thank you.