A Yemeni man sits on the back of a weapon-mounted vehicle as supporters of the Huthi rebel movement take part in a rally in solidarity with the Palestinian Hamas movement's armed resistance against Israel, in Sanaa, on Feb 1, 2024. (PHOTO / AFP)

UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations and its humanitarian partners made a plea on Thursday for $2.7 billion to support the millions affected by the prolonged conflict in Yemen.

The funds aim to provide life-saving assistance and protection to the 18.2 million Yemenis in dire need due to the near-decade-long conflict between government forces, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, and Houthi rebels controlling significant parts of the nation.

Yemen faces an education crisis with more than 4.5 million school-age children out of school and an estimated 4.5 million people displaced, a third of whom have been uprooted more than once

Peter Hawkins, the interim UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Yemen, emphasized the country's critical moment, saying, "Yemen is facing a critical juncture and has a unique opportunity to take a decisive step away from the humanitarian crisis by addressing the drivers of need."

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The 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan for Yemen, shaped by extensive consultations with affected populations, local and national authorities, aid workers, and development partners, outlines a strategy for adapting operations amidst limited funding and access constraints.

This plan aligns with the broader 1.3-billion-dollar UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Yemen for 2022-2025, focusing on building resilience and long-term solutions by supporting livelihoods, basic services, and economic conditions.

Highlighting the critical need for support, Hawkins appealed to the international community: "We must not turn our backs on the people of Yemen. I am appealing to donors for their continued and urgent support to save lives, build resilience, and also to fund sustainable interventions."

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In addition to the widespread humanitarian needs, Yemen faces an education crisis with more than 4.5 million school-age children out of school and an estimated 4.5 million people displaced, a third of whom have been uprooted more than once, according to the United Nations.