Yemen Concert
Peace begins at home. Social justice originates in the hearts and minds of our future leaders.
Children’s Voice for Peace for the Children of Yemen
Introduction
The Republic of Yemen, a country of 29 million people, is on the verge of collapse. With a rich culture and history that dates back thousands of years, Yemen is now caught in a civil war that has devastated its cities and left its people starving. In order to raise awareness of this tragedy and light a candle of hope, Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, The Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics and the Fund for the Future of our Children produced a concert event featuring presentations by children, youth, and others, including journalists, elected officials and representatives of humanitarian organizations. Through music, dance, spoken word, and video presentations, the performers will celebrate the history, traditions and culture of Yemen. They not only told stories of sorrow and loss, but also offered messages of peace, hope, and reconciliation. Performers and presenters addressed the theme of “the children of the world stand with the children of Yemen” throughout the program.
Background of the Crisis
The present conflict began in 2014, and has consistently escalated due to the influence of outside forces. The Saudi blockade of Yemen’s ports has led to widespread famine and disease, unchecked due to a severe shortage of medical supplies.
A December 2017 report from The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs describes the extent of the crisis:
More than two and a half years since the escalation of the conflict, Yemeni people continue to bear the brunt of ongoing hostilities and severe economic decline. People are increasingly exhausting their coping mechanisms, and as a result the humanitarian crisis remains extremely widespread: an estimated 22.2 million people in Yemen need some kind of humanitarian or protection assistance, including 11.3 million who are in acute need – an increase of more than one million people in acute need since June 2017. The escalation of the conflict since March 2015 has dramatically aggravated the protection crisis in which millions face risks to their safety and basic rights.
Response to This Humanitarian Crisis
As the crisis in Yemen dramatically deteriorated, FFC saw an opportunity to harness the power of young people to affect change. Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, The Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics and FFC gave a platform – the stage – to young performers so that they can express their love and concern for the children of Yemen.
Concert Details
Children’s Voice for Peace for the Children of Yemen was both solemn and joyous. The concert highlighted not just the tragic facts and statistics of the current crisis, but also the rich cultural heritage that Yemen continues to possess. The audience was entertained and informed so that they can understand the pointless tragedy of tearing apart a country whose history and culture have contributed significantly not only to Islam and the Middle East, but also the world.
The theme of “the children of the world stand with the children of Yemen” was woven throughout the program and speakers and performers were encouraged to touch on that theme during their performances and presentations.
The goal was to tell the story in three parts – the rich cultural history of Yemen, the extent of the current humanitarian crisis, and finally offer the audience hope for peace and reconciliation for Yemen.
Concert Highlights
For the Children of Yemen
Pray for Us
Yemen as it was
Love, Coffee, Yemen: A Story of Hope, Fueled By Coffee
Children of a Unique Heritage, the Hope of a Nation
“Mother Yemen” a new poem by FFC president Avideh Shashaani
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