Foreign Minister urges unified global response to alleviate humanitarian crisis in Yemen

Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, on Tuesday, called for a unified global response to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

He made the call during a high-level pledging event for the humanitarian crisis in Yemen held via videoconference on Tuesday evening.

The high-level meeting was co-hosted by Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister and Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, on behalf of Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of United Nations.

Speaking at the meeting, Shahid raised his concerns on the escalating conflict in the Yemen and urged all parties to declare a ceasefire in the wake of widespread famine and forced displacement.

The humanitarian crisis in Yemen has left 24 million Yemenis dependent on external aid to survive in extreme poverty, deprived from the most basic and essential services that are key to a dignified life.

Shahid drew attention to the link between peace in Yemen, stability in the Middle East and solidarity within the Islamic community.

“The people of Yemen must be granted unhindered access to channels of humanitarian aid which must remain functional, under all circumstances,” he said.

Shahid also noted the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ongoing crisis.

He further underscored the importance of establishing a unified global response that prioritizes the needs of the people of Yemen.

He provided assurance of the unwavering support of Maldives towards alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Tuesday’s meeting was held to raise awareness on the severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and mobilize resources for the humanitarian response and promote respect for international humanitarian law and human rights.

During the meeting, several UN member states pledged generous support to allevaiate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen in the presence of international financial institutions, leading UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs.

“The important pledges made today must be realized, to provide urgent food and aid for the Yemeni people,” said Shahid, in a tweet he made following the meeting.