Reaction to DFID estimate of 1m cases of coronavirus in Yemen

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- Short URL: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/mc/apmjy9/

Reacting to the estimate by DFID of 1 million cases of coronavirus in Yemen, Muhsin Siddiquey, Oxfam’s Yemen Country Director said:

“This shocking estimate demonstrates the scale of the catastrophe Yemenis are facing as the coronavirus comes on top of more than five years of war that had already created the world’s biggest humanitarian crisis. 

“Yemen urgently needs the international community to increase the funding pledges made two weeks ago, which fell more than a $1bn short of the target, to ensure that all those who have had to flee their homes, struggle with disease or face hunger get the life-saving aid they need. A delay in providing funds that have already been pledged will cost lives.

“The UK government needs to show global leadership by halting all arms transfers to Saudi Arabia and other warring parties, and by doing everything possible to pressure all sides to agree a nationwide ceasefire and return to meaningful negotiations.”

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