Scottish Government commits £250,000 and urges Scots to give what they can
A major public appeal is launched today (Tues) by leading aid agencies in Scotland and across the UK to help people facing hunger in Yemen.
Twenty months of war have brought Yemen, already one of the poorest countries in the world, to breaking point. More than 7 million people in Yemen do not know where their next meal will come from and children are dying from malnutrition.
In a major boost, the Scottish Government has today committed £250,000 to the Appeal in recognition of the deepening humanitarian crisis.
In the midst of conflict, DEC agencies are reaching millions of people across the country with lifesaving aid, such as food, treatment for malnutrition and cash, but much more needs to be done to reach those in dire need.
TV and radio appeals will be shown by all major UK broadcasters tonight (Tuesday), and agencies in Scotland are hoping Scots will lead the way in responding to the crisis.
DEC Scotland Chair Alyson Thomson said: “The level of need in Yemen is urgent and
that’s why DEC agencies have come together to launch this Appeal – we need to save lives before it is too late.
“Children face the greatest risk of starvation – almost half a million infants and young children need immediate treatment for malnutrition.
“Right now, DEC agencies are providing treatment for malnutrition, running mobile health teams, distributing food and cash but they need funds to reach more people.
“We’re delighted the Scottish Government has shown their support for the Yemen Crisis Appeal and we hope people across Scotland will follow their lead in responding to this emergency situation and helping those in desperate need.”
Scotland’s International Development Minister, Dr Alasdair Allan said: “Since March 2015, Yemen has been engulfed in a state of civil war that has aggravated an already dire humanitarian crisis brought on by years of poverty, poor governance, conflict and ongoing instability.
“Almost 19 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian aid due to the conflict, which has caused forced displacement, severe economic decline, and the collapse of basic services and institutions.
“The Scottish Government will do all we can to help Yemen’s most vulnerable people in their hour of need, and I hope that today’s announcement of £250,000 funding for the Disasters Emergency Committee Yemen Crisis Appeal will allow us to reach the worst affected areas of the country.”
DEC member charities, including the Red Cross, CARE International, Islamic Relief, Oxfam, Save the Children – are already working across the whole country, while others are planning to support activities of partners already working in Yemen.
To make a donation to the DEC Yemen Crisis Appeal visit https://www.dec.org.uk, call the 24 hour hotline on 0370 60 60 900, donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque. You can also donate £5 by
texting the word SUPPORT to 70000.
Stay up to date with developments in Yemen, the emergency response and the fundraising efforts with the DEC on twitter: https://twitter.com/decappeal or on Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/DisastersEmergencyCommittee
Notes
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The DEC brings 13 leading UK aid charities together in times of crisis: ActionAid UK, Age International, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Islamic Relief, Oxfam, Plan International UK, Save the Children, Tearfund and World Vision; all collectively raising money to reach those in need quickly.
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To make a postal donation make cheques payable to ‘DEC’ and mail to ‘PO Box 999, London, EC3A 3AA’.
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Donations can be made at any high street bank and at Post Office counters.
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To donate £5 by text send the word SUPPORT to 70000. The full £5 will go to the DEC Yemen Crisis Appeal. Donors must be 16 years or over and have bill payers permission. Texts are free and donations will be added to the bill.