Millions of Yemenis are facing risk of starvation, which the United Nations has classified as the worst humanitarian disaster of the century. The current situation has made millions unable to afford food, especially in light of the high rates of poverty and the increase in humanitarian needs. UNHCR has dedicated a large part of its program to support the most vulnerable internally displaced people (IDPs) on the verge of famine.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees launched an urgent appeal on its official website to mobilize support from individuals and the private sector during the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. This support to secure emergency support for thousands of displaced families in Yemen to help them obtain food and drinking water and secure their essential needs, through cash assistance.

In the appeal, UNHCR indicated that contributions could be allocated to Yemen through the application of the UNHCR Refugee Zakat Fund. The application allows users to communicate their contributions – whether in the form of zakat or charity – to the most vulnerable people in several regions around the world, in an easier, faster and integrated way with the website of the Zakat Fund for Refugees.

According to the UNHCR website, the Head of Private Sector Partnerships at UNHCR in the Middle East and North Africa, Hossam Shaheen, called on the private sector to participate in this appeal, and said: “It is unacceptable today that parents, children and grandparents face conditions approaching famine after six years of famine. The war. We are working hard with our partners and donors to ensure that the most vulnerable displaced families are protected from malnutrition and hunger.” He added, “We urge everyone who has the ability to take advantage of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah and Eid al-Adha to allocate their alms to help us provide Yemeni families with cash assistance, to enable them to supplying basic nutritional needs.

UNHCR stated in the appeal that it needs $271 million to assist the neediest people in Yemen this year. Moreover, it only has half of those urgent needs by the middle of the year.

• Attached photo is from the website of UNHCR.