This year, SOMA is fundraising for Pure Hands, a U.S based non-profit organization providing aid for Yemen. Nearly a decade after its conflict began, Yemen remains one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world. Millions lack access to safe water, food, hygiene, and healthcare, with over 80% of the population depending on humanitarian aid. Without solid infrastructure or national socioeconomic systems, it is incredibly difficult for Yemeni communities to access the necessary resources to rebuild, even without constant active conflict.

Pure Hands aims to alleviate poverty, provide economic opportunities, and deliver emergency relief to communities in Yemen. With offices in Sana’a and Aden, they provide on-the-ground support to those in need. Since their establishment in 2012, Pure Hands has initiated multiple projects targeting issues such as food insecurity, child protection, and sanitation. They have restored hospitals, opened water distribution centers, and sponsored school materials. In 2022, Pure Hands reached over 530,000 beneficiaries with their various programs.

As participants in Model United Nations, we are incredibly fortunate to be debating international issues in conferences such as SOMA rather than experiencing them in our daily lives. We believe that we have a responsibility to stay engaged in current issues outside of committee scenarios, and we hope to contribute as best as possible through Pure Hands.