HIGHLIGHTS
USG contributes an additional $189 million to support relief activities in Yemen
Sana’a International Airport remains closed to commercial flights
Food security worsens due to conflict-related disruptions to livelihoods
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
On August 25, U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry announced nearly $189 million in additional humanitarian funding for Yemen, including nearly $92 million from USAID/FFP, more than $59 million from USAID/OFDA, and more than $37 million from State/PRM. Among other activities, the U.S. government (USG) funding supports non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and UN agencies to implement emergency food assistance; treat moderate and severe malnutrition; provide psychosocial support; and increase access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) supplies. The funds will also improve the capacity of Al Hudaydah Port to receive humanitarian and commercial supplies and will provide critical protection, shelter, and other assistance for Yemeni refugees in the Horn of Africa.
Conflict, including ground fighting and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)-led Coalition airstrikes, has intensified since the suspension of the UN-led peace negotiations on August 6, resulting in civilian casualties and the destruction of homes, markets, and other public infrastructure, according to media reports. Negotiations are scheduled to resume in early September.
On August 30, the UN released a revised 2016 Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) to adjust performance and financial targets for existing humanitarian response programs. The revised 2016 HRP seeks $1.6 billion to support more than 12.6 million people, representing a 7 percent decrease in the number of people targeted and more than 9 percent decrease in financial requirements reflected in the February HRP. Revisions to the HRP were based on demonstrated progress, more precise information on humanitarian needs, and other factors