Dhaka: The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Tuesday called for urgent global actions to save millions of people from famine and drought in Yemen and parts of Africa.

In an emergency item adopted at its 136th assembly, the IPU members committed to mounting pressure on their governments to fund humanitarian relief operations to avert the crisis.

They said people in Yemen and many of African countries are facing drought for the third consecutive year, and the impact is devastating, causing thirst and hunger, decimating livestock, destroying livelihoods, spreading diseases and triggering large-scale population movements.

Ethiopia and Kenya are among the world’s top 10 refugee host countries. These refugees are especially vulnerable amid the current crisis, they said.

The IPU members called upon the international community to take immediate actions to prevent this potentially unprecedented famine and looming humanitarian catastrophe. They urged relevant governments to end hostilities and take every step to ensure unhindered humanitarian access.

In its resolution, the IPU declared that the United Nations should commit the resources necessary to provide humanitarian support and nutritional relief. It also called for particular attention to the most vulnerable groups, especially women, children and the aged ones.

The IPU members also want to prevent this tragedy from ever happening again, and urged governments to assist the affected countries in developing drought resilience mechanisms, including by eliminating the root causes of famine and drought.

The parliamentarians also called for more investment in mitigation activities that support vulnerable countries in adapting to climate change.

Bangladesh Parliament is hosting the five-day IPU assembly at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, which will conclude on Wednesday.