ISAAC EVANS-FRANTZ, isaac@actioncorps.org, @actioncorpsnyc
Isaac Evans-Frantz is with Action Corps, which has focused on Yemen. He said today: “The Ukraine war anniversary is not the only current war anniversary. Over 70 groups are calling for a day of Yemen war protests this Wednesday, March 1, and protests are planned in over 10 cities, including New York, in front of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ office.”

The coalition state: “The war in Yemen has killed hundreds of thousands of people and wreaked havoc on the country. In part as a result of organizing, for over 10 months Saudi Arabia has not dropped any bombs on Yemen. This could change anytime. We call on Congress for a permanent end to U.S. complicity in the war.”

Among the group’s demands: “Oppose further arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, in compliance with U.S. laws, including Section 502B of the Foreign Assistance Act, prohibiting arms transfers to governments responsible for gross violations of human rights.

“Call on Saudi Arabia and the UAE to lift the blockade and fully open airports and seaports.

“Call on President Biden to insist he use his leverage with Saudi Arabia to press for the unconditional and immediate lifting of the devastating blockade.

“Support the People of Yemen. Call for the expansion of humanitarian aid for the people of Yemen.”

The Norwegian Refugee Council states: “The international community today showed it has abandoned Yemen at this crucial crossroads, with a mere quarter of the amount needed to support the millions of Yemenis who require urgent assistance. This is woefully inadequate and gives the signal that some humans are less valuable than others.”