UNITED NATIONS, Jan 17 (NNN-SABA) – Martin Griffiths, the UN undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, yesterday, called on the international community to help boost and stabilise Yemen’s economy.
“I call on the international community to redouble its efforts, to boost Yemen’s economy and restore basic services,” which will also serve to reduce humanitarian needs, as well as, the size and price tag of the aid operation in the long run, the UN relief chief told a UN Security Council briefing, on the war-torn country of Yemen.
Over recent months, Griffiths said, there have been signs of increasing economic tension emerging between the parties, with potentially harmful consequences for the people of Yemen and the aid operation.
“We know from experience that, even a small deterioration in Yemen’s economy can have major ripple effects for millions of people,” he added.
Griffiths noted that, despite some appreciation last year, the Yemeni rial is now trading at 1,250 to the U.S. dollar, in government-held areas, the lowest point since the truce was announced in early Apr last year.
“I urge the parties to do everything possible to avoid any actions that could further destabilise the economy or otherwise negatively impact humanitarian needs or the response,” he said.
On Yemen’s humanitarian situation, Griffiths said, he fears that 2023 will be another extremely difficult year for Yemenis, adding that, the country’s economy continues to weaken and basic services hang by an ever-thinning thread.
In 2023, an estimated 21.6 million people across Yemen will need humanitarian assistance and protection services, according to Griffiths.
“I urge the international community to continue to stand with the Yemeni people this year, by giving generously to the humanitarian appeal and helping to narrow funding gaps for life-saving programmes,” said Griffiths.– NNN-SABA
