United Nations, Feb 19 (Prensa Latina) The UN special envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, said Tuesday that there are many challenges in that country, but there is more expectation of the positive push in the implementation of the Hodeida Agreement.
The ceasefire agreement in this important port city opened up a new opportunity for millions of Yemenis affected by the confrontations, he told the Security Council by video conference.
Of course, we cannot be naïve about the difficulties we face, he observed.
Talks between the Yemeni government and the Hutid rebels are already producing results', he said,'and the first phase of a plan for the withdrawal of troops from Hodeida is now progressing: 'We hope that these actions will lead to the demilitarization of the city.
In Hodeida, the population is seeing tangible benefits from the reduction of hostilities and we hope the sides can fulfil their commitments, he added.
Griffiths recalled they must concentrate on a political solution, which is the central aspiration, but first these first steps are needed.
We now have the opportunity to move from promises to hope, he said, emphasizing facilitating access to the mills in Red Sea Mills, which store enough grain to feed several thousand Yemenis for a month.
The UN special envoy for Yemen also gave details of meetings with the sides in Amman aimed at coordinating the future release of prisoners.
Another point he addressed was the financial need to cover the different humanitarian programs in Yemen. If collective efforts fail, the cost of war will increase, he warned.
U.N. Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock said 80 percent of the Yemeni population needs assistance and protection.
Currently, 240,000 people face catastrophic levels of hunger and lack access to clean water and sanitation, among others, he added.
The displacements continue and especially affect thousands of children, the UN High Representative regretted.
Although violence has decreased in Hodeida since the ceasefire agreement, it has intensified in other localities, he warned.
Meanwhile, he continued, the value of the local currency is falling and food prices are rising alarmingly.
The UN, faced with growing need, is experiencing problems with funding for its aid programs in Yemen, and current resources should run out by late March, he said, alarmed.
Lowcock explained that several UN agencies work in a coordinated manner to alleviate the most vulnerable populations such as children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
But humanitarian agencies also face obstacles beyond funding: their staff have trouble moving, receiving visas and accessing resources, he stressed.
In the midst of this situation, the UN is organizing on February 26 in Geneva an event to raise funds for what is considered the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, that of Yemen.