Alexandria, VA – Salem Jaffer Baobaid, Islamic Relief’s project coordinator in Hodeida, Yemen, issued the following statement regarding the situation in Yemen:
The need in Yemen is dire
“There is an increasing desperation among the people of Hodeida, Yemen, especially in the Al Hali and Al Hawak districts on the frontline of the conflict. In the past few days, we have seen thousands of people turning up at our food distribution points, where previously there would be hundreds,” Baobaid said.
“And fights have almost broken out where people are desperate not to miss out on the food packages. The numbers of people now in these areas are immense; many of them have come out of hiding, as the fighting has subsided to stockpile on food rations, and then go back to their homes. The signs of the conflict are etched on their faces. It breaks my heart to see so many weak women, children, and the elderly suffering from malnutrition, cholera, and respiratory diseases. We’re supporting 30 health centers in Hodeida, but they are struggling to cope. ”
An appeal to the international community
Living standards have dropped dramatically for the citizens living in Hodeida and throughout Yemen, and more support is urgently needed. It’s up to everyone in the international community to work hard and extend a hand to assist the people of Hodeida,” Baobaid added.
“We know that there are likely to be peace talks soon, but we don’t have any expectations. The attempts at peace talks have been going on for so long, and we will only start to feel positive about the peace talks when we see concrete action to stop the fighting. All we want is peace. We’re tired. People should not be forced to live in these conditions. Our teams are working around the clock to deliver desperately-needed aid, but only real peace will make a lasting difference to people’s lives here.”
MEDIA CONTACT
Syed M. Hassan
media@irusa.org or
(703) 370-7246 (landline)
(571) 421-7032 (cell)
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Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. Its mission is to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy, and disease regardless of color, race, gender or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. Islamic Relief USA aims to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish sustainable local development projects, allowing communities to better help themselves. Its programs benefit millions of people each year around the world, including in the United States.
Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a national charity monitoring group affiliated with the Better Business Bureau system. Islamic Relief USA is on the U.S. government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.