Griffiths: Millions of Yemenis Closer to Famine

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The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs in Yemen Martin Griffiths, announced that “over 5 million people in Yemen are on the brink of famine, increasing the risk of worsening epidemics and diseases."

As Martin Griffiths noted in his first Security Council briefing, "the UN appeal achieved less than 50% of the amount requested, remained at 50%," pleading to countries to "secure the remaining needs."

“Imposed onerous bureaucratic requirements on aid agencies have led to an unnecessarily delayed aid from reaching millions of civilians, meanwhile, Yemenis are unable to purchase available food supply due to the loss of salaries”, Griffiths added.

The UN Under-Secretary-General urged the necessity of addressing the issue of aid delivery, stressing the huge impact on the economy and humanitarian outcomes in Yemen due to the end of Saudi financial support.

Furthermore, Griffiths further explained that "transporting goods to Aden instead of Hodeidah increases expenditures on traders."

“An immediate cease-fire shall enter into force in the city of Hodeidah, the ports of Hodeidah, and Salif without constraints, ensuring immediate access for commercial and humanitarian supplies through all Yemen’s land, air, and seaports,” he added.

Griffiths emphasized that "the war is the cause of Yemen’s economic crisis," calling on parties to implement a ceasefire and join the political process to end the suffering of Yemenis.

A report by the World Bank warns that 70% of Yemen's 30 million people are on the brink of famine.