CARE Australia welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment of $10 million to support people facing starvation and other effects of ongoing conflict in Yemen.

The aid agency’s Chief Executive Sally Moyle said: “The situation in Yemen is catastrophic. The Australian Government’s funding is vital to help alleviate the suffering. It is also a welcome recognition of just how dire the situation has become. But unless a political solution to the conflict is found, people in Yemen will continue to suffer.”

This is the first time Australia has provided direct funding to those affected by the Yemen crisis since fighting intensified in March 2015. The funding will help to deliver food, healthcare, water and sanitation to protect the lives of vulnerable people, including women and children affected by the crisis.

Crippling shortages of food, medical supplies and fuel have left nearly 19 million people – over two thirds of the population – in need of humanitarian aid, and millions more at risk of starvation.

“For too long, the international community has turned a blind eye to the tragedy unfolding in Yemen,” Ms Moyle said.

“This a country where 60 per cent of the population faces food shortages and where almost half a million children suffer from acute malnutrition. This is unacceptable and Australia must play its part in a global effort to stem the suffering.”

Continued warfare and ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure has made humanitarian access extremely difficult. CARE has been calling for all parties involved in the conflict to abolish a blockade that has stopped vital relief from reaching people in need.

“Relief goods must be able to move freely in the country. There must be an end to the destruction of roads so lifesaving relief can reach families in desperate need. As well as vital aid funds, world leaders must use all diplomatic channels available to reach a sustainable political solution to the conflict.”

Since the escalation of the conflict, CARE has reached more than 1.3 million people with vital food, water, cash to buy basic necessities and other relief supplies. Together with local partner organisations, CARE has repaired water sources and installed new water tanks that help reduce the distance women and girls need to walk for water.

CARE Australia is an international humanitarian aid organisation fighting poverty, with a special focus on working with women and girls to bring lasting change to their communities. Find out more and donate to CARE’s Global Emergency Fund at www.care.org.au/yemen

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