The Studies and Economic Media Center (SEMC) has demanded the immediate payment of salaries of Yemeni civil servants who have not received any payments for the 19th month running, especially those working in education and health sectors and non revenue generating institutions.
The Center expressed surprise over political rivals’ disregard for such serious humanitarian situation that plunged over six million people into grinding poverty, particularly with the advent of the holy month of Ramadan during which time citizens’ spending on life necessities increases.
SEMC held all conflict parties, mainly the Houthis and the legitimate government fully accountable for this humanitarian tragedy, pointing out that the government last year spent nearly YR 700 billion, while the Houthis collected over YR400 billion in revenues from the areas under their control. It further indicated that more than 500,000 public servants have not been paid salaries since September 2016.
It noted that Yemen minimum wage has dropped to $ 45 a month compared to $95 in the past, meaning that employees lost out on more than half of their income due a drop of 143 percent in the value of the local currency owing to the war still raging on in Yemen.
The majority of civil servants in the Houthi-held areas are experiencing harsh living conditions, as salaries are paid only to those working for revenue generating institutions. Employees living in the government run areas are better off as they get paid regularly.
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