UN humanitarian chief arrives in Yemen

(Sana'a/New York/Dubai, 8 October 2009): The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. John Holmes, today arrived on a three-day mission to Yemen. The UN estimates that 150,000 people have been displaced from Sa'ada and Amran governorates in the north of the country since conflict first erupted between Government forces and Al Houthi rebels in 2004.

"Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the latest wave of fighting in northern Yemen alone, and the number is growing daily," Mr. Holmes said. "I am here to see the situation for myself and galvanise support for the men, women and children whose lives have been overturned by this conflict," he added.

During his mission, Mr. Holmes will visit one of the five camps that have been established to accommodate Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and meet with high-level government representatives and humanitarian actors in order to explore ways in which the humanitarian response could be improved.

"It is going to take the combined efforts of all of those involved to improve the plight of the civilians who have been caught up in the fighting," Mr. Holmes said. "Agencies are working hard to provide assistance where they can. However, they need better access and the support of the international community if they are going to overcome the challenges that they face on the ground," he continued.

Assessments in camps show that the most urgent needs amongst IDPs are for shelter, food, water and sanitation. In addition, communities that have been hosting IDPs and residents who have lost access to basics such as water, food, and health care also require support..

On 2 September, the humanitarian community launched a Flash Appeal for US$23.7 million to fund immediate, life-saving activities. The Appeal, which contains 25 projects to be undertaken by the UN and 12 by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) until the end of the year, has only received 16.2% (US$3.8 million) of the requested amount to date, with a further US$3.5 million pledged.

"I welcome the response so far," Mr. Holmes said. "However, the money is simply not coming in fast enough to meet the requirements. I urge donors to come forward with increased contributions. The UN Central Emergency Response Fund has already allocated over US$7 million towards projects in Yemen this year and could do more but individual donors need to step up too."

The Yemen Flash Appeal covers the identified and estimated needs of a projected caseload of 150,000 IDPs as well as tens of thousands of people indirectly affected by the conflict. The full Appeal can be found at www.humanitarianappeal.net

For further information, please call: OCHA Dubai: Nadia Evans, +967712087883, +971502279808, evans2@un.org; OCHA-New York: Stephanie Bunker, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 347 244 2106, bunker@un.org; Nicholas Reader, +1 212 963 4961, mobile +1 646 752 3117, reader@un.org, John Nyaga +1 917 367 9262, +1 917 318 8917, nyagaj@un.org OCHA-Geneva: Elisabeth Byrs, +41 22 917 2653, mobile +41 79 473 4570, byrs@un.org OCHA press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org or www.reliefweb.int