YEMEN-(April 3, 2015)–After a week of heavy fighting across parts of Yemen, an already dire humanitarian situation could turn into a major crisis if the violence continues, warns CARE.
The number of civilians killed, injured and displaced is increasing quickly as the fighting moves throughout the country, and the risk to civilians is of grave concern as people attempt to seek safety. Access to those in need is challenging as many roads and bridges are blocked. All the ports and airports are closed and there are no fly zones making it nearly impossible to get desperately needed relief supplies in the country.
Before this recent eruption of violence, over 60 percent of the population was reliant on aid, and more than 800,000 children under five were suffering from acute malnutrition. Now the needs are escalating quickly as basic infrastructure is crumbling. The country experiencing fuel shortages, soaring food prices and electricity outages.
“With Yemen being one of the poorest countries in the Middle East, the impacts on civilians could be catastrophic if the fighting continues,” said Daw Mohammed, CARE Country Director in Yemen. “The largest concern is in the south, where violence is erupting and explosives are at times falling randomly from the sky, killing and injuring innocent lives. Many, including CARE staff remain confined to their homes, as it is very dangerous to leave. It is critical that desperately needed relief supplies are able to get in the country, and safe access is provided to reach those in need.”
Many hospitals have been destroyed and made inaccessible. This has severe consequences not just for the injured, but also for the approximate 300 newborns and 400 pregnant women will require emergency care daily.
CARE calls on all parties to the conflict to avoid targeting civilians and allow for safe access of humanitarian aid; as well as, seek a political solution quickly to prevent a major humanitarian crisis.
Working in Yemen since 1992, CARE focuses on women’s and youth economic empowerment; prevention of gender-based violence; social inclusion; water resource management; civil society strengthening; good governance; and providing humanitarian assistance to refugees and those affected by conflict.
Media Contact: Holly Frew +1.770.842.6188 hfrew@care.org
About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE has more than six decades of experience helping people prepare for disasters, providing lifesaving assistance when a crisis hits, and helping communities recover after the emergency has passed. CARE places special focus on women and children, who are often disproportionately affected by disasters. To learn more, visit www.care.org.