HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN YEMEN: End U.S. Support for Saudi-Backed War

UPDATE: Trump has vetoed the bipartisan resolution, which was supported by all of Maine’s members of Congress. 

THE ISSUE

Three years of war in Yemen between Shiite Houthis and a Saudi-led Sunni coalition backed by the U.S., Great Britain, and France has resulted in what the United Nations is calling the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. Since the conflict began, nearly 7,000 civilians have been killed, more than 10,700 injured, and an estimated 85,000 children under the age of 5 have died from starvation. Three million Yemenis have been displaced, 14 million civilians—half the country’s population—are on the brink of famine, and a cholera outbreak is affecting 1.2 million people. Yemen, already the poorest country in the region, now has  27 million people requiring emergency aid while 8 million are currently at risk of starvation. Fighting in the port city of Hodeida—the entry point for 75% of the country’s food imports and international aid—coupled with Saudi Arabian sanctions and blockades have slowed or blocked the transport of humanitarian aid.

Congress has passed the bipartisan resolution, S.J. Res.7, to permanently end all U.S. support of the Saudi-led coalition waging the war in Yemen. All of Maine’s members of Congress supported the bill. (See the roll calls.) As expected, Trump has vetoed the resolution. 

Last year the Senate also passed a resolution naming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as “responsible” for U.S.-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s slaying. The resolution passed with a voice vote with both senators Collins and King voting in favor. It’s hoped that this bill would also get a do-over soon.

Learn more about the background of the war in Yemen HERE.

THE ACTION

• Call Pingree, Golden, Collins, and King and ask them to vote to override Trump’s veto. 
• Support humanitarian efforts in Yemen with a donation to Save the Children, Islamic Relief USA, or International Rescue Committee.
• Stay informed on updates regarding the conflict including the human toll and strategic news, here and here.