International humanitarian organisation Islamic Relief has added its voice to a global call urging the UK, the United States and France to demand an immediate ceasefire and lead on action at the United Nations to secure a new peace deal for Yemen.
The appeal by more than 350 high-profile individuals and organisations coincides with 1,000 days of a war that has turned the poorest country in the Middle East into the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with 22 million Yemenis in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
The statement warns that Yemen is “at a tipping point (and that) to prevent further catastrophe and famine, Yemen needs an immediate ceasefire; an end to all blockages on access for food, fuel and medical supplies; and investment in a new, inclusive peace process in which women, youth and diverse civil society meaningfully participate”.
Today (21 December) Islamic Relief is also asking British citizens concerned about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen to ask their MPs to raise the conflict in Yemen with the Foreign Secretary as a matter of urgency and ensure that the UK is doing everything in its power to bring a peaceful end to this horrific crisis.
Islamic Relief is calling on the UK Government to:
- Increase its efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire
- Ensure Yemeni civilians have access to life-saving aid by pressing all parties to guarantee humanitarian access, and to remove restrictions on imports of food, fuel and medicines; including re-opening Sana’a airport
- Lead on action at the UN Security Council to urge all parties to the conflict to engage in a new inclusive peace process led by Yemenis.
Imran Madden, UK Director of Islamic Relief, said:
“We are calling on the UK Government to work through the UN Security Council to stop the fighting in Yemen and bring all parties to the conflict back to the negotiating table. Millions of women, men and children are at risk of starvation – the people of Yemen can’t wait any longer.
“The war has had a devastating impact on the lives of Yemeni civilians. Thousands have died from the violence and millions more are in need of urgent humanitarian aid as the country’s economy has virtually collapsed and its infrastructure destroyed.
“The recent blockade and escalation in violence has made an already catastrophic situation worse – there are now over 8 million Yemenis at risk of starvation. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, we call on the UK Government to play its part in saving the lives of millions of women, men and children caught up in the conflict through no fault of their own.”
ENDS
For more information, please contact James Tweed, Media Co-ordinator, on 020 7593 3241, or email james.tweed@islamic-relief.org.uk.
Notes for Editors
- Islamic Relief is an international aid and development charity that aims to alleviate the suffering of the world’s poorest people in more than 30 countries, mainly in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. As well as responding to disasters and emergencies, Islamic Relief promotes sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities – regardless of race, religion or gender.
- Islamic Relief is one of the 13 UK charities that form the DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) – see https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/AboutUs.aspx.
- In its 33-year history, Islamic Relief has helped more than 110m people across the world.
- Islamic Relief is rated 20th in the Top 500 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the world by the Swiss-based independent media organisation NGO Adviser – see https://www.ngoadvisor.net.
Source: Islamic Relief UK
