HIGHLIGHTS
Parties to the conflict in Yemen tentatively agree to recommence peace negotiations on April 18, implement a cessation of hostilities on April 10
USG contributes an additional $138.9 million to support relief activities in Yemen
Humanitarian organizations reach 4.4 million people with assistance in January and February
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
On April 6, the U.S. Government (USG) announced more than $138.9 million in FY 2016 funding to support humanitarian activities in Yemen. The contribution includes more than $105 million of in-kind food assistance from USAID/FFP, more than $22.1 million in USAID/OFDA funding, and nearly $12 million from State/PRM. Among other activities, the USG funding supports non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and UN agencies to implement protection, shelter, emergency food assistance, and nutrition interventions, as well as procure and distribute emergency relief items.
Following meetings held in mid-March, Republic of Yemen Government (RoYG), Al Houthi, and other stakeholder representatives agreed to convene in Kuwait to continue peace negotiations regarding a comprehensive plan—including the release of prisoners, surrender of weapons, and Al Houthi withdrawal from state institutions—to end the conflict in Yemen, according to RoYG officials. On March 23, UN Special Envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheik Ahmed announced that talks are tentatively scheduled to begin on April 18, more than one year after the conflict began. According to the UN, parties to the conflict have tentatively agreed to cease hostilities at midnight on April 10, eight days ahead of the planned negotiations, with the UN planning to support a de-escalation and coordination committee to monitor cessation progress and security incidents.
Following the announcement, the UN special envoy and the UN Security Council (UNSC) urged all parties to fulfil commitments to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, including measures to ensure safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access to all affected governorates, and ease restrictions on commercial imports. The UNSC welcomed the commitment of all parties to resume negotiations and the cessation of hostilities, while advocating for the immediate reduction of violence and calling upon all sides to protect civilians and comply with international humanitarian law.