STATEMENT
On the June 2, 2020, Saudi-UN Pledging Conference for Yemen
The Embassy of the Republic of Yemen expresses its sincere gratitude to its allies and other close international partners for their generous contributions at the United Nations’ first-ever virtual high-level pledging conference on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Led by the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and joined by various countries worldwide, the pledging conference garnered more than $1.3 billion in total donations to help alleviate the suffering of millions of Yemenis, including women and children.
As the United Nations noted, 80 percent of the Yemeni population relies on aid assistance and protection. Each month, the UN’s humanitarian operations help provide essential relief to more than 10 million people of these Yemenis in need. The funds pledged today by our partners will be used to support the people most in need through a variety of programs and initiatives operating around the country.
“This pledging conference not only raises the necessary funding to help struggling Yemeni families survive but also spreads awareness of the continuous strife and turmoil our people are forced to live with every day that the Iran-backed Houthis refuse to end their unjust war,” affirms H.E. Dr. Ahmed Awad BinMubarak, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen to the United States. “The conference also reminded us that our partners remain unwavering in their commitment to seeing an end put to the suffering of all Yemenis, including those in Houthi controlled areas.”
This pledging conference comes at a critical time. Yesterday, the UN announced that the Houthis continued interference, and blockade of the aid process was forcing the organization to cut budgets and some programs all completely. The funds raised will help offset those cutbacks and help these programs continue their crucial work for the Yemeni people despite the Houthis’ antagonistic behavior.
“Ending the war is the only way to address the health, humanitarian and human development crisis in Yemen,” UN Secretary-General Martin Gutierres said. “I call on all parties to work with my special envoy and to agree on the United Nations’ proposal to achieve a nationwide ceasefire, make progress on economic and humanitarian measures to alleviate suffering, and to build confidence and resume an inclusive Yemeni-led process.”
As the United Nations decision to cut budgets and programs reminds us, the Houthis have yet again put their own interests above the needs of the Yemeni people. In April, the Arab Coalition announced a ceasefire in Yemen that was meant to help foster talks for a broader more comprehensive peace. However, the Houthi militia’s despicable and deplorable behavior demonstrates their refusal to come to the negotiation and act in good faith.
“The government and the world noted various reports and data issued by responsible UN agencies and reputable press institutions revealing the widespread manipulative and corrupt practices of Houthi militias in relation to relief and humanitarian aid, and their ongoing looting of relief materials with the ensuing devastating impact on those in real need in different parts of the country,” His Excellency Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed stated at the conference.
Despite the Houthis’ transgressions, the legitimate internationally recognized government of Yemen continues to work closely with its international partners to help innocent Yemenis in the face of the threat posed by the coronavirus. We worked with the World Health Organization to ensure the delivery of essential medical supplies and equipment. We worked with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre to prepare our medical facilities. We also have secured the support of a number of other international partners to help Yemen prepare for and confront the Covid-19 pandemic.
“COVID-19 is spreading rapidly throughout the country,” Martin Lowcock, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator stated. “We are supporting rapid response teams in every single district, importing essential supplies, and providing reliable information to help millions of people protect themselves.”
The Government of Yemen will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that essential humanitarian aid is delivered to the Yemenis most in need and reaffirms its commitment to reaching a peaceful, political resolution to the conflict.
“Once again, our partners demonstrated today that they are on the side of peace and stability for the Yemeni people,” notes H.E. Ambassador BinMubarak. “Alongside our fight against COVID-19, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to achieving such an important goal.”