SANA'A, (Saba)- The United Nations World Food Program, Sana'a office, said it has approved a new operation to provide food assistance to 36,000 people displaced by the conflict in Saada governorate in north-western Yemen.

The WFP website reported Thursday that the three-month operation, worth US$1.3 million, will continue WFP efforts which started two month ago.

The number of persons to receive food assistance during the new operation has increased by 16,000 due to the improvement of the security conditions, hence better access to the needy in more remote areas of the governorate, said WFP.

“Our assessment of the humanitarian situation indicated that food assistance must continue. However, it is hoped that during this period, a durable ceasefire agreement and a political solution to the crisis will be reached and maintained. This would enable the displaced to return to their homes and resume their regular livelihood activities,” said Mohamed El Kouhene, WFP Representative in Yemen.

According to WFP's statement, some 20,000 displaced people received assistance from the program during June and July. 

Many people of Saada province have become displaced due to fight betwen rebels and the state army for four months ended last in July after a Qatari mediation. But the cease-fire pact signed still faces some problems to be completely enacted.  


www.wfp.org