Yemen is facing a severe and prolonged humanitarian crisis, with more than half of its population, around 18.2 million people, requiring humanitarian assistance and protection services. Years of conflict, displacement, and a lack of funding worsened this situation. Therefore, immediate and sustained humanitarian interventions are required to address the critical needs of people in Yemen.
The European Union (EU) has been supporting Yemen since 2015 and has contributed almost €1.5 billion to help address the crisis. Over € 1 billion of this amount € has been allocated for humanitarian aid.
To address the pressing challenges faced by the people of Yemen, the European Commission has announced a new EU humanitarian funding of €125 million. This funding will target the most urgent needs of people in Yemen, including food security, malnutrition, health, specialised protection services, and demining activities.
“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,” stated Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič., who chaired the sixth Senior Officials Meeting on Yemen in Brussels.
The EU’s humanitarian partners, including UN agencies and NGOs, will channel the funding to supporting vulnerable communities affected by Yemen’s ten-year-long conflict, displacement, and climate emergencies. The funding will also support dedicated programs for education and child protection.
To respond to the urgent health crisis triggered by infectious diseases in Yemen, the EU has organised 13 Humanitarian Air Bridge flights since February. These flights have helped tackle the cholera outbreak in the country. The EU also plans to launch another operation of 24 flights this month.
