EU gives €12 million in new humanitarian aid for crisis in Yemen and impact in Horn of Africa

Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Commissioner Christos Stylianides (pictured) said: "The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is reaching catastrophic proportions with 80% of the population now in need of assistance. Humanitarian pauses are vital to enable humanitarian workers and organisations deliver much needed aid. These pauses must be granted unconditionally by all the parties to the conflict. Furthermore, I reiterate my call to the fighting sides to adhere to international humanitarian law by protecting civilians."

Out of the €12 million, €10m will be used to provide for nutrition, food, health, water, sanitation, shelter, emergency household supplies and protection to the vulnerable people in Yemen. €2m - €1m each for Djibouti and Somalia - will go specifically towards helping thousands of refugees and returnees fleeing from Yemen to countries of the Horn of Africa.

Background

More than four months into the current conflict, there are severe shortages of water, food, medicines and fuel across Yemen, adding to the insecurity caused by regular airstrikes and fighting on the ground. The influx of Yemeni refugees and Somali returnees fleeing to neighbouring Djibouti and Somalia has meanwhile stretched to the limit the capacities of these already fragile countries to host them.

More information

Yemen factsheet

Joint statement by High Representative / Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides on the crisis in Yemen