Top UN relief official in Yemen condemns ‘despicable’ killing of two Red Cross workers

The top United Nations relief official in Yemen, Johannes Van Der Klaauw, has strongly condemned today’s killing of two staff members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the Amran Governorate of the country.

“I condemn this despicable act,” said Mr. Van Der Klaauw, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen in a statement.

“This sad event proves once again the urgent need for all parties to respect their obligations under International Humanitarian Law to protect the lives and rights of civilians and providing aid workers with a safe environment to work in.”

He also sent his condolences on behalf of the entire humanitarian community to ICRC colleagues and the families of those killed.

Meanwhile, at the regular press briefing at UN Headquarters in New York, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Stéphane Dujarric provided an update on Saudi Arabia’s funding pledge for humanitarian needs in Yemen.

The UN Development Programme (UNDP), World Health Organization (WHO) and UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) signed A Memorandum of Understanding last week with Saudi Arabia for the following amounts: $1.7 million (UNDP), $22.2 million (WHO) and $29.6 million (UNICEF).

Some programmes have already been started based on the pledged funds and will continue in the coming months to provide relief supplies to Yemenis. This funding constitutes part of the Saudi pledge of $274 million towards the Flash Appeal.

The Strategic Response Plan for Yemen calls for $1.6 billion dollars; $352 million has currently been funded.