Humanitarian situation in Yemen

15.12.2016

Question for written answer E-009480-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Miguel Viegas (GUE/NGL)

The conflict in Yemen has plunged the country into chaos. Hunger affects a significant part of the population. Not even children are spared.

More than 6 600 people have been killed since the conflict in Yemen broke out over a year and a half ago. The serious humanitarian crisis caused by clashes between rebels and forces loyal to President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi has now reached a critical level. Saudi Arabia’s role has been strongly criticised owing to its indiscriminate bombing of positions held by Houthi rebels, who they accuse of having links with Iran.

According to the FAO’s latest report, more than half of Yemen’s population suffers from malnutrition and seven million people are experiencing a food crisis, a 15% increase on 2015 numbers. That figure includes three million children under the age of 5 who are at risk of acute malnutrition. In the Taiz province alone, one in four children is at risk.

In light of this recent FAO data, what kind of aid is being given to the affected populations and how can this aid be increased?