By KUNA,
Geneva : The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has launched an appeal for USD 3 million to provide protection and assistance to an estimated 77,000 people affected by a local conflict in northern Yemen.
UNHCR spokesman Ron Redmond told reporters Tuesday that funds raised in the supplementary appeal would ensure enhanced support for the internally displaced persons and returnees affected by a conflict which erupted in 2004 between a rebel group and government forces in the Sa’adah Governorate.
“About half of the displaced people returned to their home villages after the signature of a ceasefire in August 2007. But, new displacements took place due to renewed fighting. Despite a peace agreement signed in January 2008, the situation remains volatile,” said Redmond.
He added that new internally displaced persons (IDPs) continue to arrive in Sa’adah city, including more than 200 families over the past week alone.