Fresh EU aid for war-torn Yemen

Martin Banks

The EU has committed itself to fresh financial aid to relieve the suffering in war-torn Yemen.

This comes after the European Commission said it would release €22.5 million in humanitarian aid to Yemen, in addition to the €87.5m already agreed.

This, it says, will address the consequences of the renewed conflict escalation and the critical needs of millions of people.

Despite an increasingly challenging operating environment, aid can still be delivered, and the EU says it remains committed to providing needs-based humanitarian assistance across Yemen “in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.”

The continued military escalation in Yemen has caused mass displacement, increased civilian casualties and further disrupted access to essential services and humanitarian assistance.

Nearly 230,000 people have been displaced in recent weeks, while millions across the country continue to face acute food insecurity, malnutrition and limited access to healthcare and safe water.

This year, EU-funded assistance has sought to address urgent humanitarian needs.

The focus is on food security and nutrition, health, water, sanitation and hygiene, protection and other life-saving interventions.

An EC source told this site the new funding will allow humanitarian partners to respond to growing needs and reinforce operational capacity.

It will “pre-position critical supplies and strengthen preparedness in case of further deterioration, with a focus on the most vulnerable people, including displaced families, women and children, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities,” he said.

Yemen remains one of the world’s most severe and underfunded humanitarian crises.

After more than a decade of conflict, economic collapse, and the deterioration of essential services, 22.3 million people in Yemen need humanitarian assistance and protection.

Some 5.2 million people are internally displaced, while over 2.2 million children under five suffer from acute malnutrition.

The ongoing conflict continues to take a devastating toll on civilians. Military escalations and strikes affecting civilian infrastructure, including Sana’a airport, power stations and Red Sea ports, have caused civilian casualties and disrupted the flow of vital supplies. Interference in aid delivery continues to severely hamper humanitarian organisations’ ability to reach people in need.

An EC spokesman said, “The EU and its Member States remain committed to continuing the humanitarian assistance to Yemen, while advocating for effective protection of human rights and respect for International Humanitarian Law.

“The EU promotes a coordinated approach linking humanitarian, development and peace action in Yemen. In an increasingly volatile context, flexibility and adaptability remain crucial to ensuring that aid reaches those most in need across Yemen.”

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Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
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Martin Banks is an experienced British-born journalist who has been covering the EU beat (and much else besides) in Brussels since 2001. Previously, he had worked for many years in regional journalism in the UK and freelanced for national titles. He has a keen interest in foreign affairs and has closely followed the workings of the European Parliament and MEPs in particular for some years.
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