‘Humanitarian aid to Yemen is coalition’s top priority’
UN official praises Kingdom’s role
The humanitarian aspect of the Yemeni conflict is the top priority of Saudi Arabia and other members of the Arab coalition, said Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, general supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief).
He said the coalition members strongly support entry of humanitarian aid into Yemen and reject exploitation of this issue for political gains.
He was addressing a joint press conference held at KSRelief headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday with Mark Lowcock, UN undersecretary-general for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.
Al-Rabeeah called on the UN and the international community to act against Houthis and put an end to their violation of international laws, which the Iranian-backed group commits by hindering the safe passage of humanitarian aid to civilians.
Highlighting the strong historical bonds between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, he said members of the Arab coalition, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have made provision of humanitarian aid to Yemen their top priority.
Members of the coalition supporting the legitimate government in Yemen against the Houthi militias have so far donated $18 billion in aid to help Yemen over three years, KSRelief chief said.
He said the coalition is making efforts in coordination with different UN agencies to provide relief to the Yemenis.
In response to UN reports about worsening food security in Yemen, Al-Rabeeah said Saudi Arabia and the UAE pledged $500 million that will help around 13 million Yemenis in the coming months.
He also lauded the UN for taking measures in coordination with KSRelief to alleviate the suffering of the Yemenis.
The UN official praised the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts in Yemen. Lowcock said 6 million Yemenis receive humanitarian aid from Saudi Arabia through KSRelief.
The center, he added, also contributed to the provision of food and drinking water to Yemeni civilians.
He said the UN hopes to play a constructive role in reaching an amicable agreement over Yemen’s Hodeidah port.
Lowcock expressed his thanks to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and other countries and international organizations for their great role in supporting humanitarian work in Yemen.