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The delegation of Ukraine would like to take this opportunity to reconfirm its solidarity and support to the courageous Yemeni people in this time of distress.
Eight years of the horrible war brought death, devastation of immense proportions and ruined the lives of millions in Yemen.
We are deeply concerned that, despite some improvements, the humanitarian outlook in the country remains bleak, with 21.6 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. The food security situation is particularly disturbing in Yemen, where 17.3 million people — or over half of the population — are facing hunger.
As evidenced in the 2023 Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan, Russias war against Ukraine and loss of Ukraines grain on global markets added further pressure on Yemen which traditionally imports wheat flour from Ukraine.
The profound humanitarian crisis in Yemen requires sustained humanitarian response and engagement of broader international community.
Ukraine is also playing its part. Even in the conditions of the full-scale Russias invasion, the Black Sea Grain Initiative continues its work. Since last August, 5 maritime shipments carrying some 152,300 tons of Ukrainian wheat grain have been destined to Yemen to support the World Food Programmes response in the country. Resuming grain inflows back into the country is essential both for humanitarian and commercial reasons, as it aims to restrain local staple food prices.
Ukraine would be ready to substantially increase its grain shipment if the Black Sea Grain Initiative is expanded to include other Ukrainian Black See ports and if Russia`s artificial impediments to the work of the Black See grain corridor are removed.
Last year, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, launched a "Grain from Ukraine" initiative, which aims to reach 5 million people worldwide with staple food by this summer. With the support of the WFP and other international partners, Ukraine is soon expected to send another maritime shipment to provide Yemen with some 20,000 tons of wheat flour.
On 14 November 2022, the President of Ukraine announced a new package of humanitarian assistance to the countries of Asia and Africa, pledging a Ukrainian donation of 20,000 tons of wheat grain for Yemen.
Notwithstanding the challenges of the full-scale war of aggression against my country, Ukraine will continue to work hard to contribute to effective humanitarian response in Yemen.