Switzerland pledges CHF 14.5 million for humanitarian aid in Yemen in 2023

Speaking in Geneva, FDFA head Ignazio Cassis reiterated his support for the Yemeni people, whose humanitarian needs remain alarming. In 2023, Switzerland will provide CHF 14.5 million to help fund the humanitarian activities of several organisations, including the ICRC and the UN World Food Programme. Swiss support focuses on water, food security and the protection of civilians.

In his opening remarks, Mr Cassis offered a message of hope as Yemenis welcomed the first suspension of hostilities in years. He called on all parties to the conflict to bring the war to an end once and for all, underscoring that only then could a lasting improvement in the country's humanitarian situation be achieved. Mr Cassis also called on the international community not to lose sight of the suffering of the Yemeni people. «Yemeni women, men and children expect nothing less than our full commitment. This is our collective responsibility», he declared.

One of the worst humanitarian crises worldwide

Some 22 million people, two-thirds of the country's population, need humanitarian assistance in Yemen. Women and children are the most severely affected by the crisis. Yemen also faces a massive migration crisis involving 4.5 million internally displaced persons, with devastating consequences for health, nutrition and children's education.

Towards a political solution to the conflict

Beyond providing humanitarian aid on the ground, Switzerland is working to encourage the parties to the conflict to reach a ceasefire agreement. Switzerland supports the international community's appeal for a ceasefire and the UN's efforts to find a political solution to the conflict.

The Geneva donors' conference was co-chaired by the Swedish and Swiss governments and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The meeting brought together some 15 ministers, along with representatives of international organisations and NGOs.

Further information:

Bilateral relations Switzerland - Yemen
SDC page Yemen

Address for enquiries:

FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53
Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA

Publisher:

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs