Islamic Relief USA Launches Yemen Emergency Campaign

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Islamic Relief USA, a relief and development organization based in the D.C. metropolitan area, announced the launch of its Yemen Emergency Campaign.  Escalating tensions between tribes and government forces sparked a wave of violence resulting in widespread displacement of Yemenis.  

The United Nations children's agency, UNICEF, is warning that the ongoing crisis in Yemen is fostering a humanitarian catastrophe.  Already one of the poorest countries in the world, Yemen faces widespread water and fuel shortages.  According to the UN, the number of internally displaced in Yemen is around 15,000, but there are fears the number could reach as high as 40,000 and beyond.  These internally displaced persons (IDPs) are in need of humanitarian assistance.  The majority of the displaced are women and children.

Before the unrest began, more than 7 million Yemenis were already suffering from hunger or food insecurity, according to the World Food Program. Nearly half of all Yemenis live on less than two dollars a day.  Half of all Yemeni children suffer from stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition, the highest rate in the world.  Recent reports indicate that malnutrition and disease may escalate dramatically in the coming months if no peace settlement occurs.

Islamic Relief USA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)humanitarian organization with eight consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator. Its mission is to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy and disease regardless of color, race, gender or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. Islamic Relief USA aims to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish sustainable local development projects, allowing communities to better help themselves.

MEDIA CONTACT: Asma Yousef, (703) 582-5880, [email protected]

SOURCE Islamic Relief USA