Press centre

Statement

Statement by Ann M. Veneman, UNICEF Executive Director, on the situation in Yemen

NEW YORK, 24 August 2009 – “The ongoing conflict in Saada has forced more than 100,000 people to flee their homes at great risks to their lives and well-being. Children and women represent the majority of the displaced.

“The humanitarian situation in the camps continues to deteriorate due to the lack of such basic services as safe water, adequate sanitation and nutrition.

“Thousands of more families remain trapped inside the conflict zone, unable to reach safer areas. They too are in urgent need of humanitarian support.

“UNICEF stands ready to assist the civilian population. It is essential that we gain immediate and secure access to provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance. Children cannot be the innocent victims of conflict.”

For more information, please contact:
Najwa Mekki, UNICEF Regional Office for the Middle East & North Africa
Tel + 962 6 550 2425
E-mail: nmekki@unicef.org

Patrick McCormick, UNICEF New York
Tel + 1 212 326 7426;
E-mail: pmccormick@unicef.org