The humanitarian crisis in Yemen has been called the ‘worst in the world’ by the UN, with 24.1 million people (80 % of the population) in dire need of humanitarian aid, half the population being close to starvation, and over a million cases of cholera since 2018. Yemenis are caught in this proxy war, with many players. Since conflict broke out in 2015, a minimum of 70% of the population are without food, drinkable water, and healthcare. The Covid-19 pandemic may be ‘the straw which will break the camel’s back in Yemen’ Jean-Nicolas Beuze (head of the UNHCR) told Sky News. He explained how ‘immunity…is very low,’ in a starving, unvaccinated population. There are not enough tests and it is very difficult to have an accurate number of deaths with so many diseases and no experts. Half the nation’s health facilities are wrecked. Aid is almost impossible to get in or out, as in 2015, the Saudi-led coalition created a land, sea and air barrier around Yemen. The Houthis also block, ruin and take supplies. Aid agencies lack critical funding, leaving 280,000 refugees and 3.6 million internally displaced people in a ‘life and death situation’ with no assistance.
How can we help?
Donate: UNICEF, Save the Children and Islamic Relief are organizations you could donate to.
Sign petitions: Amnesty International and Change.org have petitions you could sign. While donations can make a large difference to vulnerable individuals, the conflict needs to end in order for the Yemeni people to be safe and free in the long-term. We need to put pressure on the governments supplying weapons.
Write to your MP: the UK needs to do better.
Educate yourself: Vox and Al Jazeera have short videos explaining this complicated conflict.
Raise awareness: Share this and have conversations with your friends and family.
Written by Anoushka Joshi
Media by Ben Hyland
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