Statement by Iman Abdullahi, CARE Yemen Country Director
“The humanitarian situation in Yemen is changing rapidly as escalating conflict forces more families from their homes. Families are fleeing to areas they hope will be safer, often after long and difficult journeys and with little more than the clothes they are wearing. This is placing further pressure on already stretched services and humanitarian resources.
What our colleagues are seeing in Aden offers just one snapshot of a much larger displacement crisis. At one location, nearly 60 newly displaced families had arrived, with more coming by the hour. Just two days earlier, there had been only around 10 tents. Many of those arriving were visibly distressed and had brought almost nothing with them.
One woman told our colleagues that she had only the clothes she was wearing. After washing them, she had to remain inside her tent until they dried because she had nothing else to put on. Another woman had been forced to flee just two weeks after giving birth, when she and her newborn should have been resting, recovering and receiving care. Instead, she endured a long and difficult journey and arrived with her baby unwell.
Families urgently need food, safe and appropriate shelter, dignity supplies, safe and private sanitation, and healthcare, particularly maternal and newborn care. We are also seeing the emotional toll of sudden displacement and continued uncertainty, making mental health and psychosocial support increasingly important.
As displacement continues to grow and needs emerge across the country, humanitarian organisations must have safe access and the flexibility to respond quickly and reach people wherever assistance is needed.”
ENDS
For media enquiries contact Julia Dotras on 0494 396 407
About CARE Australia
CARE Australia supports women around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice. We work in partnership with local communities to provide equal opportunities for women that they have long been denied: the ability to earn an income, gain access to their fair share of resources, to lead and participate in decisions that affect their lives, and to be able to withstand the increasing impacts of climate disasters and other crises. www.care.org.au
