Saudi Arabia, with the participation of the United Nations, will host on Tuesday a virtual donors conference for Yemen amid Yemeni, Gulf and Arab hopes that it will succeed in garnering enough support to fund a humanitarian response plan for the war-ravaged country.
"A total of $2.3 billion is being sought to cover emergency requirements in Yemen across multiple humanitarian sectors, including medical, food and shelter assistance," a Saudi government statement said.
Saudi Arabia has already pledged $525 million.
Britain stepped in Tuesday with a new aid package for Yemen worth £160 million ($200 million).
"This targeted UK aid package will mean the difference between life and death for thousands of Yemenis who now also face the threat of coronavirus," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement.
"Our support will help ensure families can feed themselves and access clean water and medical care," he said.
Britain's International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said the funds aimed to provide support to at least 300,000 vulnerable people each month.
Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Dr. Nayef al-Hajraf hoped the conference will gather enough support that will help the Yemeni people restore their country’s security and stability and provide them with basic services to confront the grave economic, health and security challenges.
In remarks to the Saudi Press Agency, he welcomed Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the meeting, saying it underscores the Kingdom’s pioneering role in supporting Yemen and easing the humanitarian suffering of its people.
Saudi Arabia has always been the top donor for Yemen, he remarked.
He also hailed the GCC’s support towards the country, noting that it has been a major donor for decades.
The Yemeni government praised Saudi Arabia for organizing the pledging event.
Minister of Local Administration Abdul Raqib Fatah said that meeting will greatly contribute in supporting international relief and humanitarian projects in Yemen.
He also lauded Saudi Arabia for standing by Yemen at all arenas, highlighting the numerous projects and programs it has dedicated to his country through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief).
He urged donors to contribute effectively in funding relief programs and gathering enough support for humanitarian response projects.
He also called on the international community to exert pressure on the Iran-backed Houthi militias to cease their meddling in humanitarian operations and allow UN and international agencies to perform their duties.
Saudi Ambassador to Yemen and supervisor of the Saudi program for the development and reconstruction of Yemen Mohammed bin Saeed al-Jaber stressed that the Kingdom was the greatest supporter of the humanitarian response plans in Yemen.
Of the 500 million dollars it has offered, 25 million will be dedicated to the fight against the coronavirus, he revealed.
He added that the Saudi-led Arab coalition will work with the legitimate government to continue to facilitate and speed up relief operations through Hodeidah port to ensure that they reach those in need.
