Thomas Gould
Question:132. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions taken to support the people of Yemen. [28336/20]
View answerTuesday, 6 October 2020
Questions (132)
Written answers
The people of Yemen continue to be confronted with multiple threats to their lives and livelihoods. In addition to the prolonged conflict and the resulting humanitarian crisis, they are now facing a health emergency caused by Covid-19.
The underlying cause of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen is armed conflict. Along with the UN and the EU, Ireland believes that the only way to bring about a long-term sustainable improvement in the situation is through a negotiated end to the conflict. Ireland fully supports the efforts of the UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths. We urge all parties to the conflict to engage with the Special Envoy without pre-conditions, to enact confidence-building measures to secure a sustainable peace and to allow the people of Yemen to begin to rebuild their lives.
Ireland reiterates that all parties to conflict have a duty to uphold International Humanitarian Law, and we remind all parties to the conflict in Yemen of their legal and moral obligations to take all necessary steps to prevent attacks on civilians and civilian buildings.
Humanitarian assistance will not resolve the crisis in Yemen but it is vital for the immediate welfare of its people. Since 2015, Ireland has contributed €27 million to address the situation in Yemen, with over 90 per cent of that total, including €5 million in 2020, going to the Yemen Humanitarian Fund. This Fund mobilises and channels funding to NGOs and UN agencies which have the capacity and are best placed to deliver life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable. Ireland will continue to provide support through the agencies and mechanisms at the heart of the humanitarian response.
In Yemen, every day is a struggle for humanitarian and health workers to provide basic care. We call on all parties to the conflict to ensure those workers have safe, secure, unfettered access to all people in need within Yemen.
Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 109.
Question No. 134 answered with Question No. 120.