The people of Yemen have become painfully accustomed to suffering. The war will shortly enter its fourth year. It is a grim milestone for Yemenis, who face the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today.
Yemen was already the poorest country in the Middle East when the conflict broke out in March 2015. Millions have fled their homes. Families are setting up makeshift homes wherever they can find available land – in the desert, in abandoned buildings, and on garbage dumps where they can forage for scraps.
Islamic Relief is pushing world leaders to end the suffering in Yemen. Recently in the UK, the organization teamed up with other leading charities to call for greater action by all parties.
Islamic Relief, which has worked in Yemen for more than 20 years, has throughout the conflict provided a lifeline to vulnerable people – including those in blockaded areas.
A ceasefire in the critical port of Hodeida came into force last month, bringing with it a sliver of hope – but the danger remains, explained Islamic Relief aid worker Salem Jeffer Baodaid:
“The bombing may have stopped but security remains a huge challenge. Delivering aid, especially to remote areas, is still a matter of life and death – for the people who need aid to survive and unfortunately for our staff who risk their lives to make sure that food makes it to places it is needed.”
Islamic Relief delivers food, shelter materials and healthcare. Last year alone, Islamic Relief assisted 2.1 million people in Yemen.
Original source: Islamic Relief
Published on 31 January 2019
