United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to donor countries to donate generously to avoid widespread famine in Yemen, at the opening of a virtual conference today, Monday, that aims to raise $ 3.85 billion to fund relief operations in the country.

"I appeal to all donors to generously fund our appeal to stop the famine looming over the country," Guterres said in his speech to representatives of about 100 countries and donors, adding, "Every dollar counts."

"Cutting aid is a death sentence for entire families," he said.

The United Nations is organizing the conference in partnership with Switzerland and Sweden, with the aim of urging donor countries to donate to collect $ 3.85 billion quickly and prevent "widespread famine" in Yemen, which has been witnessing a devastating power struggle for more than six years.

The conference is held at a time of escalation of the conflict with the Houthis' attempt to control the city of Marib, the last stronghold of the internationally recognized authority in the north, while attacks against Saudi Arabia intensify.

Unbearable life

In his speech, Guterres said, "Famine will weigh on Yemen's shoulders ... We are in a race if we want to prevent hunger and famine from claiming millions of lives," adding, "There is no exaggeration in describing the severity of suffering in Yemen."

He considered, "For most people, life in Yemen is now unbearable. Childhood in Yemen represents a special kind of hell. This war is engulfing an entire generation of Yemenis. We must end it now and start dealing with its consequences immediately."

According to the United Nations, more than 16 million of the 29 million people will face hunger in Yemen this year, and there are nearly 50,000 Yemenis "already starving to death in conditions similar to famine."

United Nations agencies also warn that 400,000 children under the age of five face the risk of death from acute malnutrition in 2021, an increase of 22% from 2020.

Last year, the United Nations and relief organizations raised 1.9 billion dollars out of 3.4 billion dollars the poor country needed.