MSF quote on Yemen pledging conference in Geneva

“Money alone is not enough to meet Yemen´s urgent humanitarian needs. The pledges made today by donor countries are obviously essential, however they must be complemented by much more robust action on the ground. From what our patients and our field teams tell us, humanitarian assistance is still failing to reach many affected communities in Yemen. This is largely due to ground fighting that has blocked certain parts of the country, and due to the administrative barriers that make it difficult, sometimes impossible, for aid supplies and aid workers to reach areas where the needs are highest. Even in remote areas that are more easily accesible, other humanitarian actors must intervene and increase their presence to meet the needs there.”

“At the same time, people continue to face immense challenges reaching medical facilities. The restrictions on imports have meant that fuel costs have increased beyond people’s means, and many health facilities have run out of supplies, been abandoned, or been damaged by the brutal conduct of the warring parties. In the few health facilities that are still operational, many health staff have not received salaries in more than a year, and are forced to seek paid employment elsewhere.”

“In addition, needs on the ground in Yemen must be the only factor determining how the pledged money is allocated. Donor governments, particularly those involved in the conflict, must not use their pledges for political leverage in Yemen , as this could be more detrimental to communities where existing barriers are already blocking the provision of aid.”

Only when these issues are addressed comprehensively can we expect an efficient provision of aid, where the most vulnerable communities are able to receive the assistance they need.”