Saudi charity defends its role in Yemen aid efforts

new york — A Saudi charity set up by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, insisted on Monday that it gives aid to all in need in war-torn Yemen including in rebel-held areas being bombed by the Saudi-led coalition.

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has pledged $274 million to a UN appeal for Yemen to address a catastrophic humanitarian crisis since the coalition bombings began in March.

“This centre is impartial and it has nothing to do with politics. We reach those who are in need wherever they are,” said Abdullah Al Rabeeah, the director of the center set up in May.

The Saudi officials met UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to discuss the relief effort, which has raised questions about the Saudi role as both coalition leader and aid donor.

The charity has signed eight agreements with the United Nations on providing aid to Yemen. UN aid chief Stephen O’Brien stressed the Saudi center’s work will be in line with UN standards.

“It is absolutely vital that we try to access everybody who is vulnerable and in need,” said O’Brien.

Speaking to reporters, Rabeeah said: “We have been able to reach all provinces in Yemen, including those under Houthi control. And as long as there is need, we will support it in any area in Yemen.”

O’Brien has criticized the coalition’s air war over its heavy civilian toll and for blocking deliveries of fuel and other commercial supplies to Yemen by restricting access to ports.

Nearly 5,000 people have been killed in the bombing campaign to push back Iran-backed Huthi rebels and restore President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who was forced to flee to Saudi Arabia.

Hadi returned to Aden last month, but a UN push for peace talks has yet to yield results.

O’Brien said the best response to the humanitarian crisis affecting 80 percent of the population would be to stop the fighting.

Rabeeah said a ceasefire would be welcome, but that all parties must abide by the truce. —