Statement by H.E. Ms. Margot Wallström Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden
Mr Secretary-General, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to thank all of you for attending this important conference. The Humanitarian Response Plan for Yemen 2019 requires 4,2 billion US dollars, an increase of more than a billion compared to last year. It’s a tragic reflection of the fact that the number of Yemenis in need of humanitarian assistance have increased and now includes a staggering 80 per cent of the population – 24 million people.
In December 2018, we witnessed a breakthrough as the parties to the conflict met for the first time in over two years in Sweden. The conclusion of the Stockholm Agreement provided for the parties to facilitate the freedom of movement of civilians and goods.
This included humanitarian aid to and from the port of Hodeidah along with other confidence-building measures. Numerous civil society organizations have commented on the importance of this access. But more needs to be done.
With the combined support of all countries present here today, last year’s Humanitarian Response Plan has been financed by 87 per cent. This means that food and aid has reached tens of millions of people in urgent need.
But the number of people in need today in Yemen is higher than ever. We must now face the shocking fact that 240 000 people according to the newly published IPC-report are in category 5 meaning that they are facing starvation. Some ten million people don’t know where to find their next meal. As so often is the case, women and girls find themselves in a particularly vulnerable situation. Women eat last and least, giving priority to children and other family members. With desperation growing, we see different negative coping mechanisms, including a growth in child marriages.
We welcome additional pledges today with a common message to all donors that channelling their support through the UN is the most effective way to ensure a coordinated and principled humanitarian response. As for Sweden, we have in 2019 initially allocated 25 million US dollars to the HRP, and are committed to ensure disbursement of the full amount before March. We also continue to be one of the world’s largest donors to humanitarian operations through our un-earmarked financing, including to the Central Emergency Response Fund.
It is also vital to give the Yemeni people the possibility to return to dignity and self-reliance. The economy has halved since 2015, unemployment has spiked and civil servants in key sectors such as water and sanitation and education have not been paid. The collapse of incomes and increase in prices has created a vicious circle that is contributing to the food crisis.
Later today, the Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation Mr. Peter Eriksson will present the opening remarks of a panel discussion focusing on the challenges of food security and the role of the economy in Yemen. I encourage you all to participate.
Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
On 21 December, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2451, which endorsed the Stockholm Agreement and was the first SC resolution on Yemen in over three years. These achievements were the result of constructive engagement by the parties, tireless efforts by Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and the support from permanent members of the UN Security Council as well as partners in the region.
My hope is that the Stockholm Agreement has created a new momentum for alleviating the suffering.
However, the situation remains fragile. Agreements must be respected. Continued engagement, and persistence will be required by all, including by the international community. We must also work to ensure that any peace process is inclusive, and that all segments of society will influence the future of Yemen. This is the only way to ensure progress and a sustainable political solution of all people in Yemen.
Thank you.