Yemen 'a humanitarian crisis without precedent'published at 11:46 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2018
Oral Questions
House of Lords
Parliament
The Lord Bishop of St Albans asks what steps the government are taking to provide humanitarian relief to Yemen following the agreement of the ceasefire in Hudaydah.
Fighting between Yemeni pro-government forces and Houthi rebels in the city of Hudaydah has reportedly subsided, after a ceasefire came into effect at midnight on the 18th December.
International Development Minister Lord Bates says it is "imperative" that parties "act in good faith" to restore peace in this area, which is undergoing "a humanitarian crisis without precedent".
The UK has been the fifth largest provider of aid to Yemen this year, and will continue to work with its counterparts to support long-term peace, he adds.
Shadow Minister for International Development Lord Collins of Highbury says the government needs to step up its efforts, along with other countries.
He says key institutions such as hospitals have been destroyed in the conflict, which is something that money alone cannot compensate for.