In a briefing earlier today to the UN Security Council on Yemen, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock warned that the humanitarian crisis in the country has never been worse, with famine again on the horizon, conflict escalating, the economy in tatters and humanitarian agencies nearly broke.
In addition to these challenges, Mr. Lowcock noted that COVID-19 is spreading out of control and there has been no progress on the Safer tanker.
“With adequate funding, humanitarian agencies can address the most immediate needs in Yemen and prevent a renewed slide towards famine. This would spare millions of people from needless suffering, which would in turn help to create more space for the political process,” Mr. Lowcock said.
“The choice before the world is the same as last month: help Yemen now, or watch the country fall into the abyss,” he added.
The UN humanitarian chief’s briefing to the Security Council focused on five issues: protection of civilians, humanitarian access, funding, the economy and progress towards peace.
Mr. Lowcock’s full remarks are available online.
