Maldives fully supports the unified global response to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, says Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid.

The foreign minister participated in a High-Level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen, via video conference on Tuesday, hosted by Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock, on behalf of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres.

FM Shahid raised concerns on the increasing conflict in Yemen and urged all parties to “declare a ceasefire” in the wake of the extensive starvation and forced displacement, having shed light on the link between peace in Yemen, stability in the Middle East as well as solidarity within the Muslim communities.

Over 24 million Yemenis are dependent on external aid to survive in extreme poverty and are deprived of essential services that are important to live honorably.

Stressing that the people of Yemen must be granted “unhindered access” to channels of humanitarian aid which must remain functional “under all circumstances”, the foreign minister highlighted the “devastating impacts” of the global pandemic Covid-19, on the ongoing crisis.

FM Shahid drew focus on the importance of establishing a unified global response that places high priority in the needs of the Yemenis, going on to assure the Maldives government’s “unwavering support” for the cause.

Held to raise awareness on the severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen, The High-level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian crisis in Yemen 2020 was held to mobilize resources for the humanitarian response and promote respect for international humanitarian law and human rights.

During the event, several UN Member States made generous pledges in the presence of international financial institutions, leading UN agencies as well as humanitarian NGOs.