Exceptionally heavy seasonal rains and deadly floods have hit Yemen hard in recent months, killing dozens of people and affecting tens of thousands of families across the country.
Geneva (ICRC) – Countries affected by conflict are also disproportionately impacted by climate change, a double threat that pushes people out of their homes, disrupts food production, cuts off supplies, amplifies diseases and weakens health-care services.
A dramatically deteriorating economic situation, a simmering COVID-19 crisis, the direct or indirect effect of sanctions and ongoing fighting in parts of the country are pushing millions of people in Syria towards deeper poverty and hunger as the tenth anniversary of the conflict approaches.
Across the Middle East, millions already live with little or no healthcare, food, water and electricity, as well as volatile prices and destroyed infrastructure.
The ongoing economic and food security impact of COVID-19 is massive and appears likely to worsen over time.
Millions of people in the north east of Syria are coping with fighting, destroyed infrastructure and lack of critical basic services, on top of the global COVID-19 crisis that has also hit Syria.
Overcrowded, unhygienic and poorly ventilated cells create the perfect conditions for a virus to spread. Detainees are particularly vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19 as clean water can be a luxury and soap may be non-existent in many places of detention.
People across Yemen will mark Islam’s holy month this year amid ongoing conflict, seasonal diseases, floods and rising prices, in a country where the economic situation doesn’t allow two thirds of the population to access or afford enough food.
Conflict-hit countries need urgent support to stem the spread of COVID-19 and prepare for a potentially devastating aftermath, the International Committee of the Red Cross’ Near and Middle East Director Fabrizio Carboni says.
As the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic picks up pace, the International Committee of the Red Cross urges all not to overlook people in places of detention and refugee and displacement camps around the world.