UN children’s agency resumes cash aid to 9mn Yemenis, allowed to operate call center

The UN children’s agency has resumed emergency cash transfers to 9 million Yemenis after it was allowed to operate a call center to help monitor aid distribution. UNICEF spokeswoman Juliette Touma said the cash transfer program resumed on Sunday, providing vital aid to some of the most impoverished people in the war-ravaged country. Last week, the aid was suspended after Houthi rebels – who control northern Yemen – pressured UNICEF to close the call center, AP reported. The rebels have repeatedly been accused of diverting aid to their supporters. The cash injection comes at a critical time for many Yemenis facing price hikes after the recent freefall of the local currency.