UN and partners appeal for $274 million to respond to escalating humanitarian needs in Yemen [EN/AR]

(Amman, 19 April 2015) - The United Nations and its humanitarian partners in Yemen today called on the international community to urgently provide US$273.7 million to meet the life-saving and protection needs of 7.5 million people affected by the escalating conflict in Yemen.

“The escalation in armed conflict since March 2015 has further deepened the suffering of people across Yemen,” Ms Purnima Kashyap, acting Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen said at the regional release of the 2015 Yemen Humanitarian Appeal in Amman, Jordan. “The most vulnerable are refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants, particularly women and children. The statistics become ever more grim by the day. “ Since March, conflict has spread to many parts of Yemen. Airstrikes have affected 18 of Yemen’s 22 governorates. In the south, conflict has continued to intensify, particularly in Aden, where widespread fighting continues, including in residential neighbourhoods. Hospitals, schools, airports and mosques have been damaged and destroyed across the country and there are reports of serious violations of human rights and International Humanitarian Law.

The conflict is taking a significant toll on civilians: over 760 people have been killed and 2,900 injured between 19 March and 16 April, a large number of them civilians. These figures are conservative estimates; the true numbers are likely to be higher. The number of food insecure people has increased from 10.6 million people to 12 million; at least 150,000 people have been displaced; food prices have risen by more than 40 percent in some locations; and fuel prices have quadrupled. Lack of fuel and electricity has triggered a breakdown in basic water and sanitation services.

The most urgent needs include medical supplies, safe drinking water, protection, food assistance as well as emergency shelter and logistical support. Humanitarian organisations urgently need resources for mass casualty management. Physical protection of civilians is a top priority, especially for displaced people, refugees, migrants and conflict-affected communities. Across the country, access to people in need remains severely constrained by insecurity and logistical challenges, including difficulties in bringing emergency supplies and aid workers into Yemen and moving supplies and staff safely to affected locations.

“We very much welcome the generous pledge announced by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud' of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards the flash appeal,” said Ms Kashyap. “The flash appeal requirements, however, constitute the bare minimum of what humanitarian organizations consider can be realistically implemented to save and protect lives in the coming three months, but the needs and number of affected people continue to grow as the conflict expands. I urge donors to act now to support the people of Yemen at this time of greatest need.”

Please find the Flash Appeal for Yemen here: http://bit.ly/1CV3qni