(Burlington, ON) – Last week, Canadian aid workers returned from Yemen, one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world, with more than 11 million children in need of humanitarian assistance. During the month of May, Islamic Relief Canada staff were on the ground in Yemen, visiting and providing support for Islamic Relief programs and developmental projects.

Yemen has been isolated from the rest of the world, with commercial flights banned from entering the capital city. Islamic Relief Canada staff were approved and allowed entry through an UN-chartered flight. Our staff undertook this journey to visit field offices and projects, extend support to relief efforts and determine how best to continue supporting women, children and families that have lost everything amidst years of conflict and turmoil.

Islamic Relief Canada’s Outreach Specialist, Sadique Pathan, witnessed the devastating impact of this crisis firsthand during this visit to Yemen. He recounted the stories of families forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods to escape airstrikes, only to find themselves plagued by disease and hunger. “The people of Yemen are more than a number or a statistic. There are so many human beings here who are struggling to survive. With little to no income, families are trapped in desperate situations, unsure of where their next meal will come from. We cannot forget the people of Yemen and must work to alleviate their suffering.”

Islamic Relief has been on the ground in Yemen since 1998. Since the start of the conflict, Islamic Relief has scaled up efforts to support the millions in need across the country. With operations in 17 governorates, Islamic Relief’s team of over 300 staff is dedicated to providing disaster relief to the most troubled and hard-to-reach areas in the country.

As we enter the eighth year of the conflict, our staff was able to hear directly from those on the ground about the urgent needs and the ways in which Islamic Relief has been providing support.

Islamic Relief Canada invites media to interview staff that have just returned from Yemen. To arrange interviews, please contact Aisha Saleem, Communications Coordinator, at 647-668-7996 or [email protected] 

About Islamic Relief Canada
Islamic Relief Canada is a registered charity in Canada and a prominent Muslim NGO that works in more than 40 countries to provide humanitarian relief and build resilient, prosperous communities. Visit islamicrelief.ca for more information.