Last Thursday saw the start of Ramadan: a time of consideration for all, and peace. Never have my thoughts been more with the people of Yemen, who are suffering greatly due to the ongoing conflict.
I am writing this having just returned from the Yemen consultations in Geneva, where parties convened under the auspices of the UN to begin the process towards peace. There are some who have underestimated what these consultations achieved. That all parties arrived in Geneva, and extended their stay, is in itself remarkable. And whilst the parties did not meet in the same room, they did engage with the UN Special Envoy, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, exploring possible ways forward. Geneva was just the start, and the process will continue.
I urge all sides to use this holy month as an opportunity for reflection, and to demonstrate they are serious about peace. Yemen’s future depends on those involved putting personal aims to one side and focussing instead on the needs of its people. The immediate requirements are clear: an environment where humanitarian and medical aid can safely reach the 21 million people – 80% of the population – who so desperately need it. This means a permanent ceasefire, and withdrawal from areas occupied by force. Steps towards these must be taken now.
On Friday the UK announced it will be donating US$60 million towards the UN’s $1.6 billion Yemen humanitarian appeal. This is in addition to the millions the UK has already committed to supporting Yemen. I hope other countries will shortly follow suit. The UK’s commitment to Yemen has never been stronger, and we will continue to work with all parties towards the peaceful, safe, and prosperous Yemen its people deserve. In the meantime, I wish Ramadan Kareem to all Muslims, but especially to those in Yemen.