Norway increases humanitarian assistance to Yemen

'We are therefore increasing our humanitarian assistance to Yemen by NOK 25 million. The increased funding will be channelled to the World Food Programme's efforts in the country. The war in Yemen is hitting the civilian population hard, and there is a massive need for food and humanitarian aid,' said Mr Brende.

Schools, hospitals and vital infrastructure have been bombed and destroyed. According to UN figures, more than 14 million Yemeni people are in need of food aid, and 2 million are undernourished. Some 370 000 Yemeni children are suffering from severe and acute malnutrition.

'All sectors of the society are affected by the war and humanitarian crisis, but the food security situation is particularly critical. The UN has warned that Yemen is on the brink of famine,' said Mr Brende.

In August, the UN launched a revised humanitarian response plan for Yemen. The aim of the appeal is to provide humanitarian assistance to 12.6 million people.

'By the end of 2016, Norway will have contributed a total of NOK 85 million in humanitarian aid to Yemen. Food security is one of the main priorities for Norway's assistance. In addition to the World Food Programme, our most important partners are the Red Cross, Save the Children, the Norwegian Refugee Council and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund,' Mr Brende said.