Helping Yemeni People

A petition for the Government of Canada to grant Yemeni people the same privileges given to Ukranians and other people in dire need for support

Yemen Refugees Campaign

The people of Yemen have been suffering from war since 2014. Apart from humanitarian aid, little attention has been given to the “world worst humanitarian situation”. Armed groups control most of Yemen where people have no fundamental liberties and lack basic human rights. Members of vulnerable groups, particularly women and minorities, are daily harassed, arrested, tortured, and sometimes killed. Hundreds of thousands of Yemenis were able to flee to other countries.

After more than seven years and with the grid-lock the conflict in Yemen reached, these refugees are suffering from in their countries of temporary residence, with limited means and rights, and a severe lack of basic services. In addition, the UNHCR has been reluctant to give Yemenis documentation that would enable them to relocate to more stable places where they could live a normal life.

In this petition we ask the Canadian Government to a) grant Yemeni people the same privileges given to the Ukrainians to come to Canada on visit visas to live and work temporarily, b) to expedite immigration applications for Yemen nationals, and c) to wave requirement of being registered by the UNHCR for those who would like to apply to come to Canada as refugees.

PETITION FOR YEMENI REFUGEES

Facts

  • emen, a county of about 30 million people, has been designated by the United Nations as the “World Worst Humanitarian Crisis.” According to UNICEF, “20.7 million are in need of humanitarian assistance, 11.3 of them children.”
  • Since the start of Yemen war in 2015, the number of casualties has exceeded 300,000 of whom 10,000 are children. In addition, over four million people have been internally displaced, including two million children.
  • Canada has stepped in, along with other countries, to provide humanitarian assistance. These efforts, though laudable, are by no means adequate; the situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate with ongoing violence and the mushrooming of armed groups. The majority of the population is no longer able to work and provide for food and the necessities of life. Even worse, children are forced to carry arms and join the war. 
  • It goes without saying that under these conditions, people have no fundamental liberties and lack basic human rights. Members of vulnerable groups, particularly women and minorities, are daily harassed, arrested, tortured, and sometimes killed. 
  • Under such terrible conditions, and at risk to their lives, hundreds of thousands of Yemenis were able to flee the country and take refuge in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Somalia, and many others.
  • With the war in Yemen having no end in sight, these refugees are suffering in their countries of temporary residence, with limited means and rights, and a severe lack of basic services. In addition, the UNHCR has been reluctant to give Yemenis documentation that would enable them to relocate to more stable places where they could live a normal life.
  • Yemeni refugees deserve some attention. They are seeking basic human rights and an opportunity to live a decent life. By lifting the condition to be registered with UNHCR, the Canadian government could help reduce the suffering of thousands of Yemeni families.

     Petition Request:

  • We request that the Canadian Government allow Yemenis to come to Canada under the same conditions given to the Ukrainians, and resettle under the same conditions given to people in dire need, such as the Iraqi, Syrian, Afghani  refugees. 
  • As we congratulate the government of Canada for standing behind its commitment to help refugees, we call for granting Yemeni refugees similar considerations. 
  • By granting Yemeni refugees equal consideration and care as other political refugees worldwide, our great country of Canada would renew its commitment to helping people in need and making Canada the “land of new life opportunities” and “the true north, strong and free.”

     Signed by:

  1. Friends of Yemen Organization            
  2. Yemeni Community Org, Ottawa
  3. Yemeni Community Org, Toronto

What can you do?

Consider one of the following actions:

  • Contact your representative and mention the petition of the Friends of Yemen and its supporters and express your support. Find your representative and contact information here: 
List of House of Commons members and their contact info:
https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/addresses
Find constituency memberhttps://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/constituencies?view=list
Senators and their contact informationhttps://sencanada.ca/en/contact-information/
  • Contact local non-government organizations and ask them to support the petition of the Friends of Yemen and its supporters.
  • Spread the word in your area and among your family and friends and ask them to support. Send picture of this code for easy access.
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