Statement on the announcement that UK government will send an additional £5.8m in aid to Yemen to avert famine

Alexander Matheou, Executive Director of International for the British Red Cross, said:
“Yemen has long been facing a crisis of catastrophic proportions. It is not the first time its people, who have been suffering the effects of a long and brutal conflict, have faced famine. Now, COVID-19 is propelling Yemen further into the abyss. This commitment from the UK government comes at a crucial time, as many humanitarian programmes are being forced to close because of a lack of funding. While funding is running out for Yemen, so is time. Yemeni people urgently need support, now.”
 
The British Red Cross Yemen appeal enables food distributions, improved access to healthcare and provides Yemeni people with safe and clean water.