Dr. Sellar said, “The devastating war in Yemen has been waged for the past 21 months and has resulted in over 18 million people, which is over three quarters of the Yemeni population, being left without access to safe water, food, healthcare or sanitation. I understand that over 7 million people do not know where their next meal will come from.
“It is distressing to hear of so many people in such desperate need of food, clean water and medical assistance. Please pray for the people of Yemen and if you can, please help those who are clinging to life by a thread.”
Located at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen was already one of the regions poorest countries. Since July flooding and landslides have added to the nation’s problems and caused many people to lose their homes.
Over 7,000 people have been killed and 35,000 injured since the conflict broke out in March 2015 between forces supporting the internationally recognised government of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi and those allied to the Houthi rebel movement. The majority have been civilians, killed by air strikes by a Saudi-led multinational coalition that backs the president.
The Moderator’s call follows the UK’s Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Appeal on Yemen. The DEC brings together 13 leading charities in times of crisis, including Christian Aid and Tearfund.
Dr. Sellar concluded by saying, “I am aware there are already many existing appeals for support of numerous good causes, but in the face of the current crisis largely ignored by the world’s media, please do not close your hearts to this massive need in Yemen.
“May I encourage members of our congregations to pray earnestly for the people of Yemen who are experiencing such unimaginable hardship and distress. Please give generously, if you can, through PCI’s relief and development partners’ appeals. Both charities are working through local organisations on the ground to bring food and aid to the people of Yemen,” he said.
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