The United Nations has issued an appeal for $2.7 billion to fund humanitarian aid operations in Yemen for the year 2024. The war-torn country, where the majority of the 18 million people in need reside in the north under the rule of the Iran-aligned Houthi group, continues to face severe humanitarian challenges.
Peter Hawkins, the acting U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, emphasized that the requested amount is more realistic than last year’s appeal of $4.3 billion, which was only 40% funded. The aim for 2024 is to implement a humanitarian program that more effectively targets the most vulnerable populations and generates a greater impact.
Hawkins stressed the importance of not forgetting Yemen amidst the world’s numerous humanitarian crises, noting that continuous investment has brought benefits to the people of Yemen, especially women, girls, and boys. A significant challenge remains addressing hunger in a country heavily reliant on food imports.
Responding to concerns about the recent Houthi disruptions in global trade, specifically in the Red Sea, Hawkins stated that, as of now, Yemen’s imports have not been significantly affected. The Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea, conducted in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza conflict, have raised concerns about potential impacts on global commerce, inflation, and regional stability.
