UK unveils additional assistance for food security in Yemen

The UK is set to provide direct support to as many as 40,000 Yemeni individuals each month in a new initiative aimed at tackling hunger and poverty, as announced by Minister Andrew Mitchell today.

During a visit to Jordan, the Minister formalized the launch of the BRIGHTLY consortium, a partnership with NGOs to implement the UK’s premier food security program in Yemen. This collaboration will leverage the insights and access that NGOs can offer and will prioritize Yemeni involvement in decision-making processes.

As highlighted by the World Food Programme in December, Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine has intensified the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, driving up food prices.

Minister for Development Andrew Mitchell stated:

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has increased food and fuel costs in Yemen, pushing more individuals into poverty.

Today, I am announcing additional UK support aimed at mitigating the consequences of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

The UK remains committed to collaborating with our partners to extend the truce in Yemen and foster genuine dialogue aimed at resolving the conflict permanently.

The BRIGHTLY consortium, comprising various NGOs, will collaborate with local and international partners to deliver cash transfers to up to 40,000 Yemenis monthly. The integrated approach of providing cash alongside livelihood support has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing resilience and enabling families to break free from poverty.

This financial year, UK aid is already benefiting 200,000 people each month in Yemen, providing life-saving healthcare to 800,000 women and children, and addressing the needs of 85,000 severely malnourished children.

This new support announcement follows a three-country visit to Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. In Turkey, the minister witnessed the impact of UK aid in Turkey and Syria following the recent earthquake.

In Saudi Arabia, Andrew Mitchell delivered the keynote address at the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum on February 21, advocating for ‘anticipatory action’ to alleviate the effects of humanitarian crises on the most at-risk populations and to reduce future needs.

While in Jordan, the minister experienced the ongoing effects of the Syrian conflict during his visit to the Zaatari refugee camp, which he was instrumental in establishing as Secretary of State for Development in 2012. This year, UK Aid has provided support to 70,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan and has facilitated quality education for 150,000 children. Furthermore, UK Aid is assisting the most vulnerable Jordanians and contributing to Jordan’s economic stability.

Minister Mitchell also met with Prime Minister Dr. Bisher Al-Khasawneh to emphasize the strength of the bilateral partnership and affirm the UK’s ongoing commitment to support Jordan’s economic, political, and public sector reforms.

Additionally, he signed an agreement with the Jordanian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation to introduce new support for the implementation of Jordan’s National Action Plan (JONAP) on Women Peace and Security, which has already significantly increased women’s participation in all sectors of Jordan’s security institutions.