US, EU Step Up Yemen Aid But UN Warns Millions Face Hunger
Faizan Hashmi Published September 23, 2021 | 01:30 AM
United Nations, United States, Sept 22 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Sep, 2021 ) :Donors led by the United States and European Union on Wednesday pledged another $600 million for Yemen, but the United Nations said that a financial shortfall meant that millions could go hungry.
The United States promised an additional $290 million but said the ultimate solution was to end the war that has led to what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian situation.
"Humanitarian assistance makes a critical difference in people's lives, but it alone cannot resolve this crisis," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement to a pledging event at the United Nations.
He called on Saudi Arabia, which has led a devastating air campaign in Yemen, as well as Huthi rebels and the government to help ensure the flow of fuel into the country, one factor that has destabilized the economy and kept staples out of reach for many Yemenis.
The European Union promised 119 million Euros. Oxfam said around $600 million was pledged in total, although the UN plea for $3.9 billion to help Yemen was still underfunded by around $1 billion.
David Beasley, executive director of the World food Programme, welcomed the new pledges but said that the UN agency still did not have enough to support the 12.
9 million people dependent on aid, which is nearly half the country.
The World Food Programme expects it will need to cut rations for 3.2 million people in October and more in December, he said.
While donations have averted widespread famine, every 10 minutes a child in Yemen is dying from preventable causes, according to the United Nations.
"We are predicting that if we don't receive the funds that we need in the next 6 months -- which is $800 million -- when we start cutting rations, you could actually see that number go to 400,000 children under age five dying in the next year," Beasley said.
"What if that was your little girl, and your little boy? We have a moral obligation to speak out and step up."He also said the priority needed to be on ending the war, in which the Huthi rebels have seized much of the nation as they battle a Saudi-backed government and a military coalition spearheaded by Riyadh.
"If donors are getting fatigued, well, end the war," Beasley said.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
UAF to ink MoU with Ethiopian universities
Scouts playing exemplary role in serving humanity: Dr Iqrar
Punjab Police cricket honored with shields, medals & CCI certificates
Bugti issues directives to operate circular road parking plaza
PML-N to become more strong under Nawaz Sharif: Rana Sanaullah
300 raids conducted on hideous of drug-dealers
IP rights crucial in achieving SDG : Jam Kamal
Commissioner urges effective action against electricity theft
PAK-EPA's clean lab boosts environmental analysis capabilities with advanced ICP ..
Romania court opens way for start of influencer Tate's trial
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) delegation visits WSSCA
13 outlets sealed for violating Hepatitis preventive SOPs
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
9 hours ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
10 hours ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
3 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
4 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
5 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
5 days ago
-
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
5 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
5 days ago -
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
7 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
11 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
12 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
12 days ago