The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid, has participated in the High-Level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen, via video conference.

The meeting was co-hosted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is Royal, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mark Lowcock, on behalf of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres.

At the High-level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen 2020, Minister Shahid raised his concerns on the escalating conflict in the Yemen and urged all parties to declare a ceasefire in the wake of widespread famine and forced displacement.

Currently, more than 24 million Yemenis are dependent on external aid to survive in extreme poverty, deprived from the most basic and essential services that are key to a dignified life. The Maldivian Foreign Minister drew attention to the link between peace in Yemen, stability in the Middle East and solidarity within the Islamic Ummah.

“The people of Yemen must be granted unhindered access to channels of humanitarian aid which must remain functional, under all circumstances” Minister Shahid said, as he noted the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ongoing crisis. He further underscored the importance of establishing a unified global response that prioritizes the needs of the people of Yemen and assured the unwavering support of the Maldives towards alleviating the humanitarian crisis.

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

The Event witnessed generous pledges from several UN Member States in the presence of international financial institutions, leading UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs.