EU provides coronavirus aid to Yemen, as famine looms
Janez Lenarcic - Photo EC
(BRUSSELS) - The EU will provide funding of EUR 70 million in Yemen, the Commission said Wednesday, as the coronavirus threatens to worsen one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, where famine already looms.
More than €40 million of this package will help prevent and respond to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the country.
The EU stands by the most vulnerable in Yemen at this difficult time, said Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic: "The EU is delivering vital assistance such as food, nutrition, water, shelter and hygiene kits to millions of Yemenis affected by the crisis. To ensure aid reaches as many people as possible, all restrictions and interference violating the humanitarian principles have to be lifted."
EU aid in Yemen is only channelled to organisations such as the United Nations agencies, NGOs and international organisations.
To protect against the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, EU partner organisations are implementing emergency plans and control measures, to reduce the expansion of the virus. EU assistance also supports the treatment of severely malnourished children.
The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is caused by the ongoing conflict, making it urgent to find a political solution to end it.
The EU says it will continue supporting the UN-led efforts to resume peace talks and achieve sustainable peace in the country. It sees it as fundamental that all parties to the conflict answer the UN Secretary-General's call on those fighting to end hostilities.
Since the beginning of the conflict in 2015, the European Union has allocated €822 million to respond to the crisis in both humanitarian aid and development cooperation.