UAE calls for UN action to stop armed groups hindering humanitarian aid

The official statement to the UN's Security Council highlighted the UAE's funding of the UN's humanitarian response plan for Yemen

UN Security Council meeting to discuss food aid. Courtesy UNSC

The UN Security Council should take action against armed groups that obstruct aid deliveries in conflict zones, the UAE said in a written statement to the body.

All parties in conflicts should respect the rules of war and their humanitarian obligations, the UAE said.

As part of a debate on conflict and food security at the Security Council, the UAE highlighted the "grave risks to health, livelihoods of women, men and children" posed by protracted wars.

The letter also highlighted the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, "which caused disruptions to humanitarian aid and worsened the situation in areas already devastated by conflict".

The Security Council convened on Thursday to discuss humanitarian crises in Yemen and Ethiopia.

The UAE said it made a commitment of $230 million in additional funding for the UN aid programme in Yemen last month.

The UN called the situation in Yemen the world’s worst humanitarian disaster.

The UAE also urged the council to address factors including climate change, natural disaster and disease outbreaks to ensure food security.

The UAE said that it would focus on food security during its term on the body in 2022-2023.

"When a country or region is gripped by conflict and hunger, they become mutually reinforcing … [and] cannot be resolved separately," UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said during the open debate.

And when hunger meets inequality, climate shocks, sectarian and ethnic tensions, together with grievances over resources, they then "spark and drive conflict", Mr Guterres said.