The world’s worst humanitarian disaster
Here at Catalyst we always want our appeals to perform well, but tragic events in Yemen make our work for Tearfund and Amnesty feel particularly critical.
The statistics make for gruelling reading. In November it was reported that as many as 85,000 infants under the age of five had already died from starvation or disease since 2015. This estimate was based on UN-compiled data, which also warned that up to 14 million people were at risk of famine. With the conflict showing no sign of abating, that number continues to rise.
Last year, Yemen suffered the largest cholera outbreak in history. With reports of new cases still happening at the time of writing. Meanwhile, only half of all health facilities are fully functioning. With the economy collapsing, the prospect of famine edges closer and closer.
The conflict in Yemen has also more than doubled the number of children deprived of schooling to some 3.5 million. Threatening the future of a whole generation in this war-ravaged country.
The U.N. children’s fund says the education sector is on the brink of collapse because of conflict, political divisions and chronic underdevelopment. Indeed UNICEF spokesman Christophe Boulierac recently warned that nearly four million primary school children may not be able to get an education because of a severe shortage of teachers.
The war has left almost 10,000 people dead and led to what the UN has labelled the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Three-quarters of the population, or 22 million people, are in need of humanitarian aid. Thousands remain without safe water, food and sanitation. And charities are calling on as many people as possible to support their efforts to bring vital relief.
As the conflict enters its fifth year, we’re working with Tearfund to raise support for the people of Yemen through hard-hitting, multi-channel appeals. Covering TV and press inserts, digital, radio and direct mail.
We’re also working with Amnesty to tackle the causes of war, lobbying government to stop the sale of arms to the Saudi regime.
Yemen has been called the worst humanitarian disaster in the world, yet also dubbed the forgotten war. We’re working hard to help put an end to this horrific conflict and help get emergency support to people who need it.
Marc Middleton-Heath
Managing Director, Catalyst.
17th May 2019