"Four years of continuous conflict has turned Yemen into the worst humanitarian crisis of our time." This disheartening statement, made by Lise Grande, the United Nations Humanitarian Co-ordinator for Yemen, set the tone for the largest country appeal in the UN's history earlier this week. In response, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have once again proved their support of Yemen and its people. Both nations have promised $500 million each in humanitarian aid. This comes in addition to $930m pledged by the UAE to Yemen and an additional $70m it has provided to Unicef. These funds are of vital importance to a country in which, according to the World Food Programme's Yemen Country Director, Stephen Anderson, half of the population relies solely on food assistance for survival.
Providing aid for suffering Yemenis is of paramount importance. However, it is only a first step. Once secured, it is imperative that it is distributed fairly and without hindrance. Innocent civilians must be protected and have access to essential services and supplies, whether they are living under the rule of the internationally recognised government of President Abdrabbu Mansur Hadi or trapped in rebel-held territories. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has offered assurances that the sums raised for aid will reach those who need them most and without prejudice. "There will be impartiality, neutrality and independence in the way the distribution is made, which means that [it] will impact both areas controlled by the government and areas controlled by the Houthis," he confirmed on Tuesday.
Since 2015, the Arab coalition has provided critical military support to Mr Hadi's government in the battle against the Iran-backed Houthi insurgents. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are also Yemen's most significant benefactors, contributing around two-thirds of all aid to the country in 2018, according to the UN's Financial Tracking Service. This latest injection of funds is well-timed, as earlier this week aid officials reached the Red Sea Mills in Hodeidah port for the first time in six months.
However, aid can only ever be an interim measure, implemented as part of a broader and more enduring strategy. The Stockholm agreement – a hard-won peace deal reached by representatives of Mr Hadi’s government and the rebels last November in the Swedish capital – has been repeatedly violated by Houthi fighters. It must now be upheld. Providing real relief to the Yemeni people requires concrete action on the ground and a firm commitment to achieving the peace that has eluded their nation for so long.
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Gender equality in the workplace still 200 years away
It will take centuries to achieve gender parity in workplaces around the globe, according to a December report from the World Economic Forum.
The WEF study said there had been some improvements in wage equality in 2018 compared to 2017, when the global gender gap widened for the first time in a decade.
But it warned that these were offset by declining representation of women in politics, coupled with greater inequality in their access to health and education.
At current rates, the global gender gap across a range of areas will not close for another 108 years, while it is expected to take 202 years to close the workplace gap, WEF found.
The Geneva-based organisation's annual report tracked disparities between the sexes in 149 countries across four areas: education, health, economic opportunity and political empowerment.
After years of advances in education, health and political representation, women registered setbacks in all three areas this year, WEF said.
Only in the area of economic opportunity did the gender gap narrow somewhat, although there is not much to celebrate, with the global wage gap narrowing to nearly 51 per cent.
And the number of women in leadership roles has risen to 34 per cent globally, WEF said.
At the same time, the report showed there are now proportionately fewer women than men participating in the workforce, suggesting that automation is having a disproportionate impact on jobs traditionally performed by women.
And women are significantly under-represented in growing areas of employment that require science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills, WEF said.
* Agence France Presse
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes.
Where to stay
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
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