United Nations, December 24 (RHC)-- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has warned that 5 million people in war-ravaged Yemen “will likely be living just one step away from famine" in the upcoming year.

The UN agency said in a brief statement posted on its official Twitter account that more than half of Yemen's overall population could head further into hunger in 2021.  The statement added that an estimated 50,000 people will be living in famine-like conditions in the conflict-plagued Arab country throughout next year.

The UN warns that malnutrition in Yemen has reached record levels as famine-like conditions re-appear in parts of the country.  FAO noted that immediate support is urgently needed to save Yemen as “UN response remains only 49 percent funded.”

Earlier, the UN Security Council voiced concern over military escalation and food insecurity in Yemen.  The council members, in a press statement, reiterated their commitment to an inclusive intra-Yemeni political process, and reaffirmed the international community's firm commitment to uphold Yemen's sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity.

They also expressed alarm at the new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification assessment, which states that 13.5 million Yemenis are at risk of starvation and are already facing acute food insecurity, and that the figure could soar to at least 16 million by June 2021.

The council members said they are extremely concerned about the fact that several humanitarian programs in Yemen may have to stop due to lack of funding.