Arab League chief urges stepping up relief efforts for Yemeni people

CAIRO, March 13 (KUNA) -- Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmad Abul-Gheit called on the international community to respond promptly to the humanitarian appeal launched by the United Nations for Yemen.
The regional and international aid agencies must join forces to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people due to the ongoing conflict and the ensuing food shortage, he said in a statement on Monday.
Abul-Gheit expressed shock at the recent UN reports that the threat of a large-scale famine looms large in Yemen. Meanwhile, he appreciated as praiseworthy the efforts, being made by the UN and Arab aid agencies, particularly Kuwait Red Crescent Society, the UAE Red Crescent, and King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid (KS Relief), in helping millions of vulnerable Yemenis.
Over two million Yemenis, mainly women and children, have already been forced to flee their homes and a staggering 18.8 million people remain in need of humanitarian assistance across the country, according to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). (end) mfm.aff.gb