In Europe, UN envoy urges political and financial support for Yemenis

“The conflict has already killed and maimed tens of thousands and displaced many more. How many more need to lose their life before the parties assume their moral responsibility and commit to a peace process and an end to the fighting,” said Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, wrapping up an official four-day visit to Europe.

The tour included meetings with senior political officials in France and Germany, as well as discussions with civil society leaders in Berlin.

In London, the Special Envoy took part in the Quint meeting, which includes representatives of the United Kingdom, as well as Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United States. According to a note to correspondents, the officials discussed potential solutions to the conflict, including the current humanitarian needs.

Almost 80 per cent of households in Yemen are worst off economically than they were before the fighting began, according to UN figures released earlier this week.

New data also shows that an estimated 17 million of the Yemeni people are hungry, an increase of 21 per cent since June 2016.

“It is imperative that the situation in Yemen remains high on everyone’s agenda,” Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed said. “UN humanitarian agencies and their partners have developed plans to assist civilians in need, but the needs far outweigh available resources.”

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56371#.WM1em_LqVTU