SANA’A, 03 December—Save the Children is alarmed and deeply concerned by the new UN report on food insecurity in Yemen, revealing that 16.2 million people in the country are facing high levels of acute food shortages early next year. This includes 7.35 million children, with an estimated 21,338 children at risk of falling into famine.
Xavier Joubert, Save the Children’s country director in Yemen, said:
“These numbers leave no room for doubt that children are dying of hunger in Yemen and it will be even worse next year. More than two million children under five do not have enough food to eat, with over 2,200 on the brink of starving to death. This is a catastrophe that should set off alarm bells around the world. We cannot let an entire generation of children die because they don’t have enough food to eat.
“For more than five years, children in Yemen have died because of conflict, disease and extreme hunger. Malnourished babies are getting the worst possible start in life, and fewer and fewer people can afford a basic meal.
“Save the Children calls on parties to the conflict to agree on a settlement to the war, and for humanitarian organisations to be allowed unhindered and safe access to those in need. Without an end to the conflict, hunger and starvation will continue to kill more and more children every day.”
Denisa Delic, Head of UK Influencing, said:
“The news today that Yemen is staring down the barrel of famine is a stark reminder of the cost of inaction. More than seven million children are facing a future without food. This humanitarian catastrophe will not be fixed without a peace process. The warring parties in Yemen need to get around the negotiating table. The UK must use its influence at the UN Security Council and with the broader international community to get them there. Inaction is not an option. Children's lives depend on it.”
ENDS
For interviews contact: media@savethechildren.org.uk / +44 7831 650409
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