Asked by: Edward Argar (Conservative - Charnwood)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the effect of the security situation in Yemen on the ability of non-governmental organisations to operate and deliver aid in that country.
Answered by Desmond Swayne
Conflict in Yemen has made it difficult for agencies to operate and deliver humanitarian aid to all those who need it, particularly in the five governorates most affected by the fighting (Abyan, Aden, Al Dahle, Hajjah and Taiz). The city of Taiz, where fighting has intensified in recent weeks, is currently of particular concern. Humanitarian agencies have been denied permission to deliver lifesaving supplies and there are reports of severe shortages of food, healthcare, water and sanitation.
We continue to call on all parties to facilitate rapid, safe and unhindered access to all people in need and to safeguard key infrastructure, including airports, sea ports, fuel distribution sites and major access routes in Yemen. We will continue to fund those agencies and NGOs who have the best access and ability to deliver humanitarian assistance in Yemen.
Asked by: Edward Argar (Conservative - Charnwood)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment the Government has made of (a) the condition of the port infrastructure at Hodeida in Yemen and (b) Hodeida's ability to function as a port for the purpose of delivering and unloading international aid.
Answered by Desmond Swayne
The UK assessed the damage to Hodeidah port in August 2015. The port is currently running but with significant constraints: cranes and warehouses have been damaged and the lack of a reliable electricity supply is affecting port operations. However, the port is still operational: it can receive and unload shipments and is capable of servicing between 3 and 5 ships at a time, dependent on size. Between 1-15 November (most recent data), 12 ships berthed in Hodeidah port.
Asked by: Edward Argar (Conservative - Charnwood)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what mechanisms her Department currently has in place for the distribution of humanitarian aid to Yemen.
Answered by Desmond Swayne
On 19 June, the International Development Secretary announced an additional £40 million for the humanitarian response in Yemen, bringing the total UK contribution to £55 million for 2015.
Our funds are channelled through: the Yemen Humanitarian Pooled Fund, managed by United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA); United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other international organisations such as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM); and Non-Governmental Organisations such as Oxfam, Save the Children and CARE.
Our support provides lifesaving assistance such as medical supplies, water, food and emergency shelter; helps treat severe acute malnutrition; and supports UN work to co-ordinate the humanitarian response.
Asked by: Edward Argar (Conservative - Charnwood)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps the Government is taking to improve the humanitarian situation in Yemen.
Answered by Desmond Swayne
The UK is deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. According to the United Nations, 21 million Yemenis (80% of the population) are now in need of humanitarian assistance. Of those, 6 million are facing severe food shortages; over 9 million have lost access to water; and 1 million have been displaced.
The UK is working closely with the United Nations and other partners to restore vital commercial fuel and food imports to Yemen; increase humanitarian access to affected communities through lobbying for a further humanitarian pause; and increase the level of funding towards humanitarian assistance.
The UK was the first country to deploy humanitarian experts to Riyadh to offer practical advice to Saudi and Yemeni authorities on facilitating access for humanitarian supplies, resuming commercial shipping, and improving systems for humanitarian clearances. On 19 June, the International Development Secretary announced an additional £40 million for the humanitarian response in Yemen, bringing the total UK contribution to £55 million for 2015. Our contribution is providing life-saving assistance (e.g. medical supplies, water, food and emergency shelter) to those affected by the conflict and is treating severe acute malnutrition.