Yemen has been infested with war for over 1,500 days now with scores of children dying in the midst of the world's “worst humanitarian disaster”. While the face-off between the Iranian backed Houthi rebels and the Saudi supported Yemeni Government looks unlikely to end anytime soon, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned of suspending aid to areas controlled by the Houthi rebels. The warning appears after emerging reports of humanitarian volunteers on the ground being denied access to war victims and essential supplies such as food and medical aid either being diverted or stolen.
But this hasn't stopped charities in the UK such as Muslim Aid or Islamic Relief to reach out to those who have been “perennially fasting”, not by choice but because of war. Ramadan is the month of solidarity, strength, support and contemplation. Although, a WFP statement noted that "humanitarian workers in Yemen are being denied access to the hungry, aid convoys have been blocked, and local authorities have interfered with food distribution" these charities continue with their various food and medical campaigns.
Two million children and a million pregnant women at malnutrition
“More than 17 million people in the country at the moment are in dire need of sanitation, health facilities and food. If you compare with the facilities available in Yemen, more than 49% of these them are not functional. Whereas, more than 2 million children and a million pregnant women are in severe need of nutritional food to overcome malnutrition,” said Mohammed Zulqarnain, director of Islamic Relief, Yemen.
Aside from providing with essential food and medical supplies in close to 155 health facilities and seven different governor areas, Islamic Relief has also trained over 300 aid workers operational across these areas. But ensuring that aid reaches to those affected in the rebel areas has been a herculean task and in some contexts even a dangerous process. The WFP had earlier provided photographic and documentary evidence where local organisations were falsifying records and manipulating the selection of beneficiaries. It had even accused one local partner organisation affiliated with the Houthi Ministry of Education of committing fraud and said that humanitarian food was being sold in open market in Sanaa, allegations that the Houthi rebels have denied. But Muslim Aid has been ensuring that they co-ordinating with partner organisations, NGOs and locals who are at the heart of the distribution process.
Distributing iftar and suhoor meals in war-affected Middle-Eastern countries
“The Ramadan campaign is our biggest annual campaign with 60% of funds being raised from the community. Through our “feed the fasting” campaign we ensure that people receive iftar and suhoor meals by delivering food parcels so that they can participate in the holy month of Ramadan,” said Abul Kalam, campaign manager at Muslim Aid.
These food packs contain essential staple food items such as rice, chickpeas, milk, sugar procured essentially from local markets in the UK to help contribute to the British economy. But previously during Ramadan they also ran water desalination units in Gaza, food voucher schemes in Lebanon and Jordan to support the displaced Syrians among other such causes. In 2018, Muslim Aid had fed close 150,000 people through its 'feed the fasting' capmpaign and this year they are aiming to raise at least £6million through street iftars and community events.
Asma Khan's work with Syrian refugees
Asma, who runs a highly successful Indian restaurant Darjeeling Express in central London, visited the warehouses of Islamic Relief where thousands of food boxes were being prepared so that vulnerable families, including refugees, can break their fast during Ramadan. She also met and cooked with a group of Syrian women who are being supported by the charity to deal with trauma and understand their rights.
“Ramadan is a very special month. It’s vital that families have enough food because it is so important that everybody eats together. So, having a pack like this allows them to do that,” said Asma.
This year, Islamic Relief is distributing over 150,000 large food parcels, across 34 countries benefiting more than 1 million people. The food helps Muslims to break their fast at the end of each day during the holy month of Ramadan. The food parcels, which feed a family of five for up to one month, are tailored to local tastes and cuisine where the food parcels in Jordan include Tahini sesame paste and halva among others.
