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The Sustainable Development Goals in Yemen
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Yemen:
Publication
19 April 2023
UN YEMEN COUNTRY RESULTS REPORT 2022
Yemen has been embroiled in an eight-yearlong armed conflict that has resulted in increased economic turmoil, human displacement, infrastructure damage, and widespread suffering.
By the end of the year, more than two-thirds of Yemen’s population (21.6 million people, including 12.9 million children) required humanitarian assistance, whilst an estimated 4.5 million people, including 2 million children - 14% of the population, were internally displaced.
The conflict has divided the country, exacerbated poverty, crippled the economy, destroyed critical infrastructure and livelihoods, and weakened the population’s and institutions’ resilience and capacities. More than USD 25 billion would be required for recovery and reconstruction.
The governance system is weak and fragmented, with tense central-subnational relations and competing policies. Political bureaucracy and interference by conflict parties hampered UN operations on the ground, causing costly delays, increasing the risk of security threats to staff and implementing partners, and limiting female staff mobility.
Citizens’ trust in institutions was eroded, resulting in macroeconomic instability and suboptimal service delivery, which exacerbated the conditions of the most vulnerable groups.
The crisis has had a particularly negative impact on progress towards the 2030 Agenda, with both humanitarian and development needs increasing, making it difficult to prioritise programming strategies and secure critical funds. Yemen is ranked 183 out of 191 countries in the Human Development Index with a score of 0.455 in 2021/2022.
By the end of the year, more than two-thirds of Yemen’s population (21.6 million people, including 12.9 million children) required humanitarian assistance, whilst an estimated 4.5 million people, including 2 million children - 14% of the population, were internally displaced.
The conflict has divided the country, exacerbated poverty, crippled the economy, destroyed critical infrastructure and livelihoods, and weakened the population’s and institutions’ resilience and capacities. More than USD 25 billion would be required for recovery and reconstruction.
The governance system is weak and fragmented, with tense central-subnational relations and competing policies. Political bureaucracy and interference by conflict parties hampered UN operations on the ground, causing costly delays, increasing the risk of security threats to staff and implementing partners, and limiting female staff mobility.
Citizens’ trust in institutions was eroded, resulting in macroeconomic instability and suboptimal service delivery, which exacerbated the conditions of the most vulnerable groups.
The crisis has had a particularly negative impact on progress towards the 2030 Agenda, with both humanitarian and development needs increasing, making it difficult to prioritise programming strategies and secure critical funds. Yemen is ranked 183 out of 191 countries in the Human Development Index with a score of 0.455 in 2021/2022.
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Press Release
26 May 2023
Joint News Release: Conflict and economic crisis drive food insecurity and malnutrition in Yemen
In a new Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) analysis on Yemen released today, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned that, despite the slight improvements, nearly all districts under the control of the GoY were assessed to be facing high levels of food insecurity.
Yemen remains one of the most food insecure countries globally, mainly driven by the impact of conflict and economic decline, the three UN agencies added.
The report shows that Yemen continues to require attention, with hunger stalking millions of people and the situation could worsen if nothing is done to address the key drivers of food insecurity in the Middle Eastern country.
Despite modest improvements, second half of 2023 needs more investment
Today’s report showed that between January and May 2023, about 3.2 million people experienced high levels of acute food insecurity in the GoY areas, and these are classified in severe food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 and above), representing a 23 percent reduction from the October – December 2022 estimates.
Additionally, the number of people in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) almost halved to 781,000 compared to the estimates for the last quarter of 2022.
The three UN agencies warned that these modest improvements were only a ‘temporary reprieve’ as the key drivers of food insecurity remain and are projected to worsen during the period June to December 2023.
The IPC report projected a 20 percent increase in the number of people facing IPC Phase 3 and above (638,500 additional people) during the June to December period. The number of people likely to experience high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or worse) is estimated to increase to 3.9 million (41 percent), out of which 2.8 million people are estimated to be in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and 1.1 million in Emergency (IPC Phase 4).
The situation is likely to be compounded by a 20 percent decrease in humanitarian food assistance levels and the anticipated increase in food prices. While there has been a relative calm, sporadic fighting may continue in the frontline districts which further impacts food security.
Children and pregnant and lactating mothers facing acute malnutrition
As acute malnutrition continues to worsen in southern governorates, it is estimated that in 2023, half a million children will be acutely malnourished, including nearly 100,000 children who are likely to be severely malnourished. It is also estimated that up to a quarter million pregnant and lactating women (PLW) will be acutely malnourished, while child stunting levels are also very high, ranging from 35.9 percent in Abyan Lowland to 64.3 percent in Hodeida Southern Lowland.
Critical situations of acute malnutrition (IPC AMN Phase 4) persist in some parts of the southern areas. The area-level classification is expected to deteriorate further during the projection period for acute malnutrition with all 16 zones of southern governorates being classified in IPC AMN phases 3 (Serious) and above, including seven zones in IPC AMN Phase 4 (Critical).
David Gressly, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, said: “The United Nations and its partners made strides in rolling back the worst food insecurity last year, but these gains remain fragile and 17 million people are still food insecure in Yemen. We thank generous donors for commitments made so far but need further support to reach the level of funding received last year to sustain an integrated humanitarian response. With adequate resources, we will reach millions of Yemenis with critical food and nutrition support, clean water, basic health care, protection and other necessities, while building people’s resilience and preparing communities across the country to withstand future shocks.”
“FAO is seized with this situation, and we are working directly with farmers on the ground to enable them to maintain their livelihoods. We make sure that smallholder farmers in Yemen will withstand any shocks which impact food security. As such, our focus, through various interventions, is to improve household food security and income by strengthening agricultural production practices, increasing labour opportunities, and diversifying livelihoods in a sustainable way that fosters peaceful coexistence,” said FAO Yemen Representative, Dr. Hussein Gadain.
UNICEF and partners reached about 420,000 children suffering from severe and acute malnutrition with lifesaving interventions in 2022., This is the highest ever reached in Yemen, thanks to the scale up of nutrition services in 4700 PHC facilities. Despite this, malnutrition levels remain critical in many areas of the Southern Governorates. A multi sectoral approach to address all forms of malnutrition is essential and together with partners UNICEF is strengthening the provision of primary health care, including early detection and treatment of severe acute malnutrition”, said UNICEF Yemen Representative, Peter Hawkins.
“WFP’s assistance is critical for getting people to firmer ground, for averting crisis and famine, for a better future, and we urge our donors to renew their commitment to supporting the most vulnerable Yemenis. Yemen's food insecurity situation remains fragile, and the hard-won gains of the past 12 months will be lost without continued and urgent support from our donors. There are women, men and children behind these IPC statistics, whose lives straddle the fine line between hope and utter devastation. We simply cannot take our foot off the gas now,” said WFP Country Director, Richard Ragan.
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Notes for editors:
About FAO: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With over 194 members, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
About UNICEF: United Nations Children's Fund works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
About WFP: The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
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Press Release
04 May 2023
Statement: Remarks at the pledging event for the FSO Safer operation co-hosted by the Netherlands and the United Kingdom
First, I want echo Achim’s thank you to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands for having organized this event.
And for contributing generously.
A third element that they both deserve credit for is recognizing early on the promise of a private-sector initiative to address the Safer which the Fahem Group and SMIT Salvage proposed in mid-2021 – a time when the previous UN plan to inspect the Safer was not moving.
The initiative called for a leading maritime salvage company to transfer the oil off the Safer and replace the decaying supertanker’s capacity.
That was the basis upon which the United Nations principals asked me to lead and coordinate UN system-wide efforts on the Safer, in September 2021.
In December 2021, United Nations senior management endorsed the UN-coordinated plan and asked UNDP to implement it, contingent upon donor funding.
In February 2021, I met with the Government of Yemen in Aden, which confirmed its support for the plan.
They have remained supportive ever since – as evidenced by a $5 million pledge that they made last year.
The Sana’a authorities had been favorable to the original initiative, but insisted that it be done under UN auspices.
In March 2022, they signed a memorandum of understanding with the UN that committed them to facilitating the operation.
A commitment that they continue to honor.
The agreement was also signed by myself with the Fahem Group, which has supported engagement in Sana’a on the initiative since 2021 on a voluntary basis.
By April 2022, the UN presented a draft operational plan to begin fundraising. The original budget for phase 1 and 2 was $144 million.
As Achim said, the Netherlands pledging event in The Hague last May brought in $33 million, which was a catalyst to move us to where we are today.
But finding funds to prevent a catastrophe proved far more difficult than finding money for a disaster.
In June, we launched a public crowdfunding campaign for the operation.
That has now brought in more than $250,000. More importantly, it captured media attention that galvanized further support for the plan.
In August, we received the first pledge from a private entity. $1.2 million from the HSA Group. The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers followed with a $10 million pledge and Trafigura Foundation with $1 million.
The private sector, we learned, was concerned about its liability linked to a contribution. UNDP, in particular, led the effort to resolve those issues of concern which gives us a basis for further private sector contributions.
By September last year, the UN met the target of $75 million to start the operation.
Unfortunately, even as UNDP was gearing up to begin, the cost of suitable replacement vessels surged, chiefly due to developments related to the war in Ukraine.
More money was also needed to start the initial phase because of the necessity to purchase a replacement vessel – also linked to the war in Ukraine as suitable vessels for lease were no longer available. The budget for the emergency phase – during which the oil will be transferred – is now $129 million. Most of the funding is now required up front in phase one. Now, the second phase only requires $19 million to complete the project.
So, the budget of $148 million is just $4 million more than was presented to donors a year ago.
Prior to today’s announcements, we had raised $99.6 million from member states, the private sector and the general public.
The general public has provided donations from $1 to $5,000.
The broad coalition working to prevent the catastrophe also includes environmental groups like Greenpeace and, in Yemen, Holm Akhdar.
Every part of the United Nations is involved, including the International Maritime Organization, the UN Environmental Progamme, and the World Food Progamme. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is among those that have worked on the Safer file for years and has now ensured $20 million of bridging finance. That would need to be replenished by donor funding.
I also want to recognize the United States for playing a tireless role in mobilizing resources. It is among the top five donors, together with the Netherlands, Germany, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.
On 9 March, UNDP’s Administrator took the bold decision to purchase the replacement vessel Nautica – before all of the operation was in place.
That is because UNDP recognized the extraordinary problem and understood that the cost of inaction is too great, as Achim outlined.
UNDP also contracted the Boskalis subsidiary SMIT Salvage, which played an enormously helpful role in developing the UN plan long before it had a contract.
With both the Nautica and the SMIT vessel Ndeavor en route to Djibouti, we expect the operation to start before the end of the month.
Therefore, I thank all donors for the generous support, and we look forward to further generous support.
But the risk of disaster remains.
I am forever thankful to the heroic skeleton crew aboard the Safer that continues to do all it can to keep that vessel together until we can organize this salvage operation.
None of us will heave a sigh of relief until the oil is transferred.
And we will all heave a final sigh of relief when the critical second phase is completed. This requires that the project is fully funded as described.
As everyone has said we are just one step away so lets take the final step.
Thank you.
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Publication
26 October 2022
UNITED NATIONS YEMEN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION FRAMEWORK 2022 – 2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
UN global reform has elevated the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) to be “the most important instrument for planning and implementing UN development activities” in the country. It outlines the UN development system’s contributions to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an integrated way, with a commitment to leave no one behind, uphold human rights, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE), and other international standards and obligations. The UNSDCF seeks to address the humanitarian, development and peace challenges in Yemen in an environment where key public institutions are fragmented, no national strategy exists, and where there has been no national budget since 2014. The Yemen UNSDCF outlines the UN’s collective priorities and development objectives to be reached jointly in the next three years 2022-2024 as part of an ongoing and longer- term vision for resilience building and forging of a pathway to peace.
Yemen is a country in conflict. The priorities of this UNSDCF are derived from the analysis of the impacts of this ongoing crisis on the people of Yemen, and the needs and opportunities as outlined in the UN’s Common Country Analysis (CCA) conducted in 2021.
The UN has prioritized four pillars that resonate with the SDG priorities of people, peace, planet and prosperity that aim, as a matter of urgency, to improve people’s lives in Yemen and build resilience that is equitable, inclusive, people-centred, gender responsive and human rights based, through outcomes that: 1. Increase food security, improving livelihood options, and job creation 2. Preserve inclusive, effective and efficient national and local development systems strengthening 3. Drive inclusive economic structural transformation 4. Build social services, social protection, and inclusion for all
The theory of change is driven by an expectation that by 2024 the impact for all people of all ages in Yemen affected by conflict, forced displacement and living in poverty in all its dimensions will experience change in the quality of their lives. This will be possible through increased food security and nutrition, livelihood options and job creation; preserved national and local development and systems strengthening; inclusive economic structural transformation and the building of social services, social protection and inclusion for all. Food security and nutrition, and sustainable and resilient livelihoods and environmental stability will be realized through effective food production and diversified food and nutrition security; and through sustainable climate sensitive environmental management. Rights-based good governance and inclusive gender sensitive improved public services and rule of law will be possible as a result of accountable, inclusive and transparent institutions and systems, as well as the building of trusted justice systems. Increased income security and decent work for women, youth and vulnerable populations will be realised through micro and macro-economic development and job creation. Strengthened social protection and basic social support service delivery focused on support to marginalized groups, and strengthening women and youth leadership in decision making processes will be supported through the preservation of social protection and expanded and effective social assistance and basic services.
The UNSDCF prioritises the population groups in Yemen that have the highest risk of being left behind due to the impact of conflict; economic, social, geographic or political exclusion; and marginalisation. Enacting the central transformative principle of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, whilst challenging in the Yemen context, does provide the lens through which the UNSDCF targets the most vulnerable and prioritise Leaving No One Behind.
On the basis that some groups in Yemen bear the brunt of the conflict due to forced displacement, livelihood disruption, food insecurity, limited social safety nets, increased levels of poverty and poor-
quality housing, the CCA 2021 identifies the following population groups at the greatest risk of being left behind:
- Women and girls - 73 percent of those displaced in Yemen are women and girls, especially women of reproductive age and adolescent girls
- Children – 60 percent of those killed directly by conflict are children under five
- Youth and adolescents – an estimated 2 million school-age girls and boys are out of school as poverty, conflict, and lack of opportunities disrupt their education
- Internally displaced persons – more than 4 million IDPs with 172,000 newly displaced in 2020 and almost 160,000 in 2021
- Refugees, asylum seekers and migrants – Yemen hosts approximately 138,000 migrants and 140,000 refugees and asylum seekers
- Persons with disabilities – 4.5 million Yemenis have at least one disability
- Ethnic and religious minorities – It is estimated that Muhamasheen represent 10 percent of the population living in marginalised conditions
The UNSDCF is comprised of four chapters. Chapter One: explores Yemen’s progress towards the 2030 Agenda through a detailed analysis of the country context drawing on the 2021 CCA. Chapter Two: presents the theory of change generally and per outcome area. Chapter Three: outlines the UNSDCF’s implementation plan focused on the management structure, resources, links to country programming instruments and Yemen’s Business Operations Strategy. Chapter Four: highlights the process for CCA updates, Monitoring and Evaluation and Learning. The Results Framework presents the outcomes and key performance indicators for monitoring agreed targets utilizing verifiable data sets. Two annexes capture the legal basis for all UN entities engaged in the UNSDCF and the mandatory commitments to Harmonised Approaches to Cash Transfers (HACT)1.
The UNSDCF represents the UN’s understanding that continued engagement in Yemen requires an operational architecture under-pinned by the Business Operations Strategy (BOS) and an integrated set of achievable programming priorities. These two strategic approaches of the UN system strengthen and make more inclusive the country’s national and local governance structures, and mainstream the required responses to the economic and health consequences of COVID-19. They tackle food insecurity and nutrition as a matter of priority and integrate the promotion and advancement of gender equality and women’s and girl’s empowerment.
UN global reform has elevated the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) to be “the most important instrument for planning and implementing UN development activities” in the country. It outlines the UN development system’s contributions to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an integrated way, with a commitment to leave no one behind, uphold human rights, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE), and other international standards and obligations. The UNSDCF seeks to address the humanitarian, development and peace challenges in Yemen in an environment where key public institutions are fragmented, no national strategy exists, and where there has been no national budget since 2014. The Yemen UNSDCF outlines the UN’s collective priorities and development objectives to be reached jointly in the next three years 2022-2024 as part of an ongoing and longer- term vision for resilience building and forging of a pathway to peace.
Yemen is a country in conflict. The priorities of this UNSDCF are derived from the analysis of the impacts of this ongoing crisis on the people of Yemen, and the needs and opportunities as outlined in the UN’s Common Country Analysis (CCA) conducted in 2021.
The UN has prioritized four pillars that resonate with the SDG priorities of people, peace, planet and prosperity that aim, as a matter of urgency, to improve people’s lives in Yemen and build resilience that is equitable, inclusive, people-centred, gender responsive and human rights based, through outcomes that: 1. Increase food security, improving livelihood options, and job creation 2. Preserve inclusive, effective and efficient national and local development systems strengthening 3. Drive inclusive economic structural transformation 4. Build social services, social protection, and inclusion for all
The theory of change is driven by an expectation that by 2024 the impact for all people of all ages in Yemen affected by conflict, forced displacement and living in poverty in all its dimensions will experience change in the quality of their lives. This will be possible through increased food security and nutrition, livelihood options and job creation; preserved national and local development and systems strengthening; inclusive economic structural transformation and the building of social services, social protection and inclusion for all. Food security and nutrition, and sustainable and resilient livelihoods and environmental stability will be realized through effective food production and diversified food and nutrition security; and through sustainable climate sensitive environmental management. Rights-based good governance and inclusive gender sensitive improved public services and rule of law will be possible as a result of accountable, inclusive and transparent institutions and systems, as well as the building of trusted justice systems. Increased income security and decent work for women, youth and vulnerable populations will be realised through micro and macro-economic development and job creation. Strengthened social protection and basic social support service delivery focused on support to marginalized groups, and strengthening women and youth leadership in decision making processes will be supported through the preservation of social protection and expanded and effective social assistance and basic services.
The UNSDCF prioritises the population groups in Yemen that have the highest risk of being left behind due to the impact of conflict; economic, social, geographic or political exclusion; and marginalisation. Enacting the central transformative principle of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, whilst challenging in the Yemen context, does provide the lens through which the UNSDCF targets the most vulnerable and prioritise Leaving No One Behind.
On the basis that some groups in Yemen bear the brunt of the conflict due to forced displacement, livelihood disruption, food insecurity, limited social safety nets, increased levels of poverty and poor-
quality housing, the CCA 2021 identifies the following population groups at the greatest risk of being left behind:
- Women and girls - 73 percent of those displaced in Yemen are women and girls, especially women of reproductive age and adolescent girls
- Children – 60 percent of those killed directly by conflict are children under five
- Youth and adolescents – an estimated 2 million school-age girls and boys are out of school as poverty, conflict, and lack of opportunities disrupt their education
- Internally displaced persons – more than 4 million IDPs with 172,000 newly displaced in 2020 and almost 160,000 in 2021
- Refugees, asylum seekers and migrants – Yemen hosts approximately 138,000 migrants and 140,000 refugees and asylum seekers
- Persons with disabilities – 4.5 million Yemenis have at least one disability
- Ethnic and religious minorities – It is estimated that Muhamasheen represent 10 percent of the population living in marginalised conditions
The UNSDCF is comprised of four chapters. Chapter One: explores Yemen’s progress towards the 2030 Agenda through a detailed analysis of the country context drawing on the 2021 CCA. Chapter Two: presents the theory of change generally and per outcome area. Chapter Three: outlines the UNSDCF’s implementation plan focused on the management structure, resources, links to country programming instruments and Yemen’s Business Operations Strategy. Chapter Four: highlights the process for CCA updates, Monitoring and Evaluation and Learning. The Results Framework presents the outcomes and key performance indicators for monitoring agreed targets utilizing verifiable data sets. Two annexes capture the legal basis for all UN entities engaged in the UNSDCF and the mandatory commitments to Harmonised Approaches to Cash Transfers (HACT)1.
The UNSDCF represents the UN’s understanding that continued engagement in Yemen requires an operational architecture under-pinned by the Business Operations Strategy (BOS) and an integrated set of achievable programming priorities. These two strategic approaches of the UN system strengthen and make more inclusive the country’s national and local governance structures, and mainstream the required responses to the economic and health consequences of COVID-19. They tackle food insecurity and nutrition as a matter of priority and integrate the promotion and advancement of gender equality and women’s and girl’s empowerment.
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Story
08 March 2024
IOM YEMEN: GEMS OF RESILIENCE: HOW WOMEN CRAFT HOPE IN WAR-TORN YEMEN
Tahani spent most of her life in a small village in western Yemen. Like many women in rural areas, she believed her role was confined to managing the family’s household, with little thought given to earning an income.“I’ve had to withstand so much deprivation throughout my life, always feeling subordinate and dependent on others to fulfil my needs,” explains the 26-year-old mother. “Fortunately, my life has taken a turn for the better and now I want to help other women improve their lives too.”In Yemen’s highly conservative culture, women often have limited roles outside their homes. This dependency on men for livelihoods is particularly prevalent in rural areas, where women face significant barriers to economic independence.For several years, Yemen ranked last on the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index, seeing it among one of the most challenging countries for women’s economic participation, political empowerment, and educational attainment. It also stood as second to last out of 177 countries in the 2023 Global Women Peace and Security Index.Tahani’s perspective shifted dramatically when she married and was compelled to leave her village and family behind due to the country’s decade-long conflict.“I moved to Dhamar shortly after I got married,” Tahani recalls. “Given the country’s situation and despite my husband’s best efforts, he struggled to find a job. Slowly, our financial situation deteriorated to the point that we had no choice but to leave.” The new couple relocated to the Al Motahaf displacement site in Ma’rib, a major city in central Yemen, hoping for better job prospects for the husband.“When we first arrived in Ma’rib, we stayed with a cousin,” Tahani explains. “They only had two rooms and several families were already living there, so we had to live in a tent on the rooftop for an entire year, enduring extreme weather conditions. Later, we rented a small room, which had minimal air and light.”Ma’rib city has experienced a large influx of displaced families in the past few years, with more than 65,000 families residing in displacement sites. This surge in displacement has further strained the already crumpling economy and exacerbated the competition over employment opportunities.Life in Ma’rib was not easy for Tahani and her husband as they grappled with limited income and harsh living conditions, prompting them to return to Dhamar. However, at home, life proved to not be any easier.“I got pregnant and gave birth to my first daughter. Sadly, she fell ill and the hospitals couldn’t provide the necessary care. She passed away because we couldn’t afford the medical attention she needed,” Tahani says with sorrow.Her daughter’s death, resulting from a preventable illness, plunged the couple into profound grief and led them to decide to leave Dhamar for good.For the first time in her life, Tahani felt the full extent of her helplessness and dependence on others. Just like Tahani, Shatha Almerda’s journey was marked by struggle but also by deep-rooted ambition. During her formative years, she faced many obstacles, exacerbated by the war and lack of economic opportunities in her hometown.“My father struggled to provide for our family since the onset of the conflict,” Shatha recalls. “Once his pharmacy in Al Hodeidah went bankrupt, we had to move to Ta’iz where things were hardly any better.”Similar to Tahani, Shatha’s family resettled to Ma’rib looking for a way to improve their living conditions. In an attempt to support her family and realize her dream of being a humanitarian worker, Shatha started volunteering for various non-profit organizations.Presently, Shatha works as a Women Empowerment Project Officer with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Ma’rib. Her primary objective is to encourage women’s participation in the surrounding communities through various initiatives.“Working in the humanitarian sector has been a source of inspiration for me,” Shatha reflects. “I have met so many people who have faced tough situations and their stories keep me going despite any challenges I encounter.” The stories of the two women intertwined when Tahani and her husband decided to give settling in Ma’rib one last try.Soon after moving, Tahani became pregnant again and gave birth to a baby girl. However, the lack of proper nutrition had made Tahani weak. “The doctors did not allow me to breastfeed my baby since my health was already poor, so being able to afford milk became one more thing to worry about,” Tahani recalls.The situation changed when Shatha first visited the Al Motahaf displacement site where Tahani lived. Shatha was inspired by Tahani’s resilience, while Tahani was impressed by Shatha’s confidence and kindness. As the two got to know each other, Tahani learned about IOM’s project and expressed interest in learning one of the crafts offered by the training.IOM has been actively supporting women through various activities in several IOM-managed displacement sites across Yemen, through the Women’s Participation Project. As part of its activities, IOM’s Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) team conducted training sessions on handmade accessories for 77 women across four sites in Ma’rib, aiming to equip them with income-generating skills.The team has been working to ensure community participation and inclusion of women and other vulnerable groups in decision-making processes and to guarantee a fair, community-driven response that meets the specific needs of all. The workshop was a turning point for Tahani. She discovered her talent and passion for making accessories and mastered the art of marketing and selling them. Through this experience, she also gained confidence and self-esteem and made new friends.“In the past, I never had the courage to stand in front of others and speak up,” she explains. “Through the workshop, I learned how to communicate and negotiate with customers, how to effectively present myself and my products, and how to handle feedback and complaints.”Over time, Tahani began selling her creations at the local market, slowly building a small business for herself. With each stitch and bead, she felt a growing sense of pride and accomplishment that she had never experienced before. Today, Tahani is finally able to earn an income and contribute to her family’s needs.“I feel proud and happy whenever I see my products being sold and appreciated by people; I finally feel that I have value and a voice in society,” Tahani says. “What Shatha did for me, I want to do for other women.” Women Participation Project in Ma’rib is funded by EU Humanitarian Aid and USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance in the framework of IOM’s CCCM activities.
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Story
01 March 2024
UNDP Yemen: Building resilience: Supporting farmers to face the impact of climate change in Yemen
Climate change in Yemen is hitting hard, stressing the vital agriculture sector with erratic weather, rising temperatures, and droughts. This worsens the existing food crisis, leaving millions hungry.Floods and rising temperaturesIn Hodeidah Governorate, climate change has delivered a double blow to agriculture, with intense floods ravaging farmlands and scorching heatwaves decimating crops across Al-Sukhnah and Al-Mansouriyah districts. This devastating combination has further exacerbated the already dire food insecurity situation in the region.Funded and supported by the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme's Food Security Response and Resilience Project (FSRRP) is responding to the crisis by contributing to protecting and restoring agricultural lands to improve food security in the area. FSRRP is implemented in partnership with the Social Fund for Development (SFD) and the Public Works Project (PWP) to build agricultural climate resilience and improve household food security and basic economic recovery.Restoring assets SFD carries out several interventions in Hodeidah as part of the FSRRP project: constructing water reservoirs to facilitate complementary irrigation and to provide water to livestock, as well as irrigation spillways to regulate and improve rainwater irrigation, ultimately contributing to improved livelihoods and food security. The project restores public assets that have become impaired due to flooding, to mitigate the impact of climate change and improve food security and the living conditions of local residents. Empowering women farmers"The construction of spillways has had a huge impact on farmers. They prevent soil erosion caused by torrential rains that used to wash away both crops and soil,” says Salamah Youssef, a farmer and local resident of Sanif Al-Monasarah, Al-Mansouriyah District. “The project also preserved farmlands and improved irrigation," adds the 35-year-old mother of five.She explains that land degradation and soil erosion had left her unable to grow anything at all. “I had resorted to collecting firewood and selling it for a meagre profit, barely enough to provide one meal a day for my children,” says Salamah. Things are different today. "I feel so content seeing my farm irrigated well and without my crops at risk of being washed away,” says Salamah. “Now I can grow corn, millet and sorghum safely – and multiple times in a single agricultural season.”“My life has changed for the better. I have expanded my farm considerably, with crop productivity increasing and a steady supply of food available. We eat what we grow at home as well as using it as fodder for livestock."Combating drought and climate change Sudden and significant climatic changes in Yemen are impeding food security efforts, largely due to flooding and torrential rains that have damaged so much land, as well as droughts-induced desertification.The Food Security Response and Resilience Project is tackling water scarcity caused by climate change by building five complementary irrigation and livestock rainwater harvesting reservoirs in the villages of Belila and Al-Misbar, Al-Sukhnah District, Hodeidah Governorate. "These reservoirs will help ease our struggle with water scarcity and well depletion,” says Yahya Qaid Othman, a farmer from Al-Sukhnah. “The project will provide a source of water for irrigating agricultural crops and watering animals. It will allow farmers to benefit from rainwater stored in these reservoirs instead of it going to waste,” he adds. “Dry seasons hit farmers hard, forcing some to abandon agriculture altogether, as it becomes an unviable means of meeting the basic needs of their families,” explains Yahya. "This project is expected to grant farmers access to much-needed water for irrigation, which will ultimately restore their lands and sustain their livelihood," says Mohammad Rajeh, SFD Project Officer in Al-Sukhna District. "These projects are game-changers for farmers in terms of expanding their agricultural land, enhancing crop production and improving their living conditions,” he emphasizes.Improving livelihoods and increasing incomeThe agricultural assets built by local farmers under the FSRRP project provide short-term cash-for-work opportunities that have had a far-reaching impact on local households, who see their incomes boosted as they work to build long-term food security."Besides protecting farmlands and giving farmers access to sustainable irrigation water sources, these projects create temporary employment opportunities for local residents through integrated cash-for-work programmes,” says Mohammed.Salamah points out that the project provided her with a temporary job opportunity, enabling her to earn 360,000 Yemeni Riyals (equivalent to $680), which helped her meet some of her family's basic needs, enroll her children in school and buy food. "The project did not only save my land,” she says. “It boosted my confidence as a woman and drastically improved my living conditions."Enhancing food securityFarmers in Yemen have seen their livelihoods destroyed by severe drought and destructive floods.“A number of villages in the districts of Al-Sukhna and Al-Mansouriyah have been targeted with FSRRP interventions to serve remote and vulnerable communities,” says Elham Al-Attas, agricultural projects officer at SFD. “The project involved the building of 379 spillways to control flood irrigation in both Al-Mansouriyah and Al-Sukhna,” she adds. According to Elham Al-Attas, the irrigation reservoir project has already benefited nearly 100 hectares of agricultural land, while the spillways have helped protect 299 hectares of land. “The region has faced challenges related to climate change and torrential rains, which led to eroding smallholdings – those farmers now need support to continue earning a living and feeding their families.”Explaining that many in the region had given up farming, leading to a further decline in agricultural production and even less food security, Elham says the project has helped restore damaged lands. “The farmers benefited from the spillways and used them to expand the areas they could cultivate, enabling them to increase crop production. These interventions will ultimately contribute to improving food security for both the farmers and the local community.”***Funded by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), the Yemen Food Security Response and Resilience Project (FSRRP) is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the World Food Programme. UNDP’s component of FSRRP improves agricultural production infrastructure and builds climate resilience and is implemented in partnership with the Social Fund for Development (SFD), and the Public Works Project (PWP).
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27 February 2024
IOM Yemen: THE SCENT OF HOPE (Nemah’s Journey from Displacement to Entrepreneurship)
In the lively streets of Mokha, the sun casts long shadows on the bustling marketplace. Nemah’s vibrant display of soap bars stands out among the vegetables stands overflowing with fresh produce.With hands weathered from years of labour harvesting crops, she delicately wraps ribbons around her products. Each soap bar holds the promise of a brighter future for her family.Nemah’s childhood was full of laughter and joy, a stark contrast to her current reality overshadowed by war.“As a construction worker, my father managed to provide everything for his nine children, from school fees to food and clothing,” she recalls. However, tragedy struck Nemah fresh out of high school when she when she was barely 18 years old. Her father’s sudden passing created a void in her life and burdened her with the weight of new responsibilities.“Life became tough really fast,” she says, recalling the hardship that ensued. TRIALS OF CONFLICTAs the eldest, Nemah assumed the responsibility for her siblings’ future. During the day, she herded goats and harvested crops for meagre wages. At night, in the dim light of a candle, whispers were exchanged about dwindling food supplies.Her mother turned to selling handcrafted goods, while Nemah, fueled by both necessity and an entrepreneurial spirit, sold three of their sheep and started her own business, venturing from village to village selling clothes.In 2015, conflict erupted in Yemen, plunging the country into chaos amidst the ongoing poverty. Nemah soon found herself unable to sustain her business as traveling grew increasingly dangerous due to escalating clashes.“We had to return to working on farms,” she recounts.Constant warnings about armed clashes and mines made every trip outside a gamble, which soon led to the family’s displacement and added a new layer of uncertainty. A FRESH STARTAccording to OCHA’s 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan, a staggering 18.2 million people – over half of Yemen’s population – need humanitarian assistance. Soon enough, Nemah and her family found themselves among the 17.6 million facing food insecurity, highlighting the widespread struggle experienced by many households in Yemen.For eight long years, the family teetered on the brink, surviving on a single meal a day. Education, healthcare, and basic services were out of reach. However, Nemah’s younger sister clung to her dream of attending school. Nemah was determined to find a solution to help her sister fulfill her dream.A glimmer of hope emerged when the International Organization for Migration (IOM) started conducting vocational workshops for women in Alkhokhah. “We selected 40 vulnerable women, many of them heads of households, and equipped them with income-generating skills,” explains Shomoos Taha, an IOM hygiene promotion staff in Mokha.Shomoos explains that the soap’s popularity stems from its versatility; it serves as body wash, shampoo, and laundry detergent, hence its name “Alshamel soap” (Arabic for “multi-purpose soap”). A key objective of the hygiene promotion team is now to extend the soap workshop to more women across displacement sites in Mokha, amplifying the impact of their initiative. RENEWED COMMUNITY SPIRITThrough active participation in these workshops and other hygiene promotion initiatives, communities acquire valuable knowledge and skills that contribute to improved hygiene practices and enhanced access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services, thereby fostering healthier living environments.Nemah’s first sale marked the beginning of her life-changing journey. “I sold 64 bars of soap in one day!” she exclaims, brimming with pride. With the influx of money, she was able to purchase food, clothing, medicine, and other essentials for her family. She also fulfilled her sister’s dream by enrolling her in school.Taking her success further, Nemah started sharing her knowledge by training other women in soap making, patiently guiding their learning process and inspiring them to believe that they can acquire financial independence.Beyond earning income, the women who participated in the workshop gained confidence and agency. They could now support their families, send their children to school, access healthcare, and restore some semblance of order amidst chaos. The women are now exploring the possibility of expanding their production to include other hygiene products commonly found in women’s dignity kits distributed to the community. This approach can bolster the programme by making hygiene essentials like soap more accessible to local residents. It also ensures the sustainability of the initiative by tapping into the local market, rather than relying solely on external humanitarian support. RESILIENCE IN ACTIONThe other women who participated in the workshop, much like Nemah, shared similar tales of hardship and resilience. They formed a supportive network, pooling resources to help one another. They started partnering with local businesses, negotiated fair prices for ingredients, and showcased their products at local markets.Nemah and nine other women recently opened a factory to manufacture organic soap bars near their village, producing over 200 organic soap bars each day. The success of their soap business echoed throughout the neighborhood, drawing other women eager to participate. “I never thought I would learn how to make soap,” Nemah explains. And yet, she is now able to proficiently blend coconut oil, olive oil and local herbs to craft bars of organic soap, sustaining her family through her own business.“Sometimes, you just need to dream big,” she says.
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26 February 2024
IOM YEMEN: LIGHTING THE WAY (The Impact of Solar Energy on Displaced Communities in Yemen)
They say there’s no place like home. For most people, home is where you feel safe, secure, and comfortable. Years ago, all Zahra ever dreamt about was staying warm in her humble dwelling, surrounded by her beloved grandchildren. Little did she know that she would end up spending her senior years in a displacement site.“When the clashes escalated, people were forced to flee, leaving behind all of their cherished belongings,” Zahra recounts with a heavy heart.Fearing for her safety, Zahra and her family relocated to the Al Dehywi displacement site in Al Khukhah, Al Hodeidah in western Yemen. Yet, like other displacement sites, Al Dehywi site lacked even the most basic services.At night, the area was shrouded in darkness, raising protection concerns for families who were hesitant to let their children venture outside. Additionally, without electricity, it was challenging for families to carry out their daily activities within their shelters. DARKNESS IN DISPLACEMENTThe power shortage in Yemen has reached unprecedented levels, a situation further compounded by the conflict and limited access to energy resources such as fuel and diesel. This blackout has placed a heavier burden on displaced people, who rely solely on lanterns or flashlights to navigate at night.The lack of electricity in the Al Dehywi displacement site has exposed extremely vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and disabled individuals, to various forms of harm, neglect, and other adverse events.“I can only see with one eye, so I cannot navigate properly at night,” explains Zahra. “I’ve fallen several times as I tried to get from one place to another.”Children and elderly people like Zahra have had to depend on their adult relatives to accompany them to access the latrine or move across displacement sites at night, a task that grants them neither the independence nor the freedom they need. ENERGY CRISISNot far from Zahra and her family lives Zaid with his wife, Saeedah, and their four children – a family that has also grappled with the absolute darkness.“Since the beginning of the conflict, both the inside and outside of our shelters looked the same; everything was cloaked in darkness at night,” recalls Ziad. “In the past, we relied on lanterns and traditional flashlights powered by consumer batteries, but they were not very convenient.”The scarcity of energy poses a serious challenge in displacement sites in Al Khukhah, where many families shelter. To address the pressing need for energy in spontaneous displacement sites in Al Khukhah, especially Al Dehywi and Al Shaihal, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has provided over 1,172 solar power systems to maintain the safety and dignity of community members. SOLAR TRANSFORMATIONUnder the guidance of IOM’s Camp Coordination and Camp Management team, maintenance committees have played a significant role in supporting families living in the sites by installing solar systems, which include a solar battery, panel, and electricity inverter. Additionally, IOM teams conducted awareness-raising sessions to help displaced families, like Zaid’s, learn how to properly use and maintain the solar systems.The introduction of these new solar systems has had a profound impact on the lives of families, significantly improving their ability to navigate through the night.“Most of the men here work as fishermen, which often keeps them away from their families for days at sea,” explains Ayman Sultan, IOM Field Assistant in Al Khaukhah. “One of their major concerns while away was not being able to stay connected with their families. Now, with the solar systems, the problem has been resolved as they can recharge their phones.” NIGHTTIME COMFORTWomen have also expressed a newfound sense of security, as the solar lighting allows them to see the surroundings of their shelters and guard against animals and insects.“Before the distribution of solar systems, most families relied on a single flashlight, which proved inconvenient,” remarks Alallah Besharah, a Community Mobilizer in Al Dehywi site. “When women needed to prepare food, they had to take their children to the kitchen, exposing them to potential burns.” “The situation has vastly improved now that the solar systems can provide ample lightning to cover the shelters, kitchens, latrines, yards and beyond,” he adds.Alallah explains that given the hot weather in Al Khukhah, displaced people endured discomfort throughout most of the year. People often resorted to sprinkling water around their shelters and on the ground to alleviate the heat, yet sleeping in such conditions remained a daunting task. However, the installation of solar systems has transformed their circumstances, allowing people to cool their shelters using fans. “Now, even after nightfall, we are able to carry on with our lives as usual. We no longer worry about preparing dinner or blending food for our babies,” says Saeedah. “The light extends to areas outside the shelter, giving us the courage to visit our relatives living in neighbouring shelters. Our children can now sleep more soundly, feeling safe now that it is no longer dark.” Through the project, IOM has been able to implement numerous sustainable projects in displacement sites across Al Khukhah district, aiming to enhance the overall living conditions of displaced people in the area. IOM remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing sustainable solutions, ensuring people have access to eco-friendly lighting resources.
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26 February 2024
OSESGY: ENGAGING PEACEBUILDING CIVIL SOCIETY COALITIONS IN YEMEN
A total of 30 civil society activists from across Yemen came together in Aden for discussions centered around the UN-led peace process and linkages to Yemeni peacebuilding efforts on the ground. The participants represented two peace-focused civil society coalitions, the Civil Alliance for Peace and the Youth Support Group, which include dozens of member organizations and networks based in ten governorates across Yemen. The three-day consultative meeting was organized by the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen (OSESGY) between February 10-12, 2024.“I look around and see many new faces who have traveled a long way from Shabwa, Hadhramaut, Marib, Mahra, and Socotra to be here and participate. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to meet our colleagues from Aden here. I am also pleased that UN consultations are broadening their scope and making a genuine effort to reach voices that have not been heard before,” said a woman civil society leader from Shabwa during the meeting. This comes as part of OSESGY’s efforts to scale up engagements with Yemenis both at the national and the community levels and to expand outreach to include a wider range of actors. In recent months, this has included consultative meetings with women, youth, private sector representatives, civil society organizations, experts, and local mediators."Civil society has a critical role in supporting the peace process, and in representing the Yemeni people. Your role is not only to inspire our work but also to inspire hope among the over 30 million Yemenis we all serve,” Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen told the participants, “We draw inspiration from the local peacebuilding structures, networks and alliances that seek to bring peace to their constituents and communities.” The participants repeatedly underscored that, for the political process to be genuinely 'Yemeni-owned,' it is imperative to recognize and listen to the voices of all segments of the Yemeni society, with particular attention to women, youth, and underrepresented groups and governorates.OSESGY representatives engaged the participants during the meeting on ways to enhance the inclusivity of UN peace mediation towards just and sustainable outcomes and solutions. Some of the measures suggested by participants included establishment of regular virtual meetings to maintain active engagement between OSESGY and civil society to discuss the challenges facing UN mediation efforts, ensuring an active role for civil society organizations in supporting negotiations, and engaging marginalized groups in parallel discussions that contribute to the UN’s efforts with the parties to the conflict.“Yemenis deserve a just and sustainable peace that transcends the interests of the parties to the conflict,” said one of the participants, “The political peace process should be dictated by the priorities and needs of Yemenis and geared to serve the collective interest of the country.” Representatives of the Civil Alliance for Peace and the Youth Support Group presented the visions and activities of their respective coalitions, and highlighted success stories in local peacebuilding initiatives in governorates around the country. Following a briefing by OSESGY, the participants engaged in working group discussions to brainstorm about potential scenarios and identify trust-building measures between the parties and priority issues for the peace process.Drawing on their peacebuilding expertise rooted in the local context, participants sought to identify opportunities for strengthening complementarity between their grassroots efforts and the mediation efforts led by the UN, and providing practical approaches tailored to Yemen's unique circumstances. This included strengthening grassroot peace advocacy and facilitating local-level dialogues to ensure the process is grounded in the every-day reality facing Yemenis in all parts of the country. Common priorities emerged, and the participants advocated for these priorities to be integrated into future negotiation agendas to ensure solutions align with the needs of local communities. Short-term priorities included addressing the dire humanitarian conditions, prioritizing the payment of public sector salaries nationwide, and reopening roads in different parts of Yemen to facilitate freedom of movement of people and goods. Another priority that emerged from the deliberations of the working groups was addressing the Southern question, identified as a critical matter requiring political attention. Coming from a diversity of backgrounds and governorates, the participants viewed this dialogue as an affirmation of the ability for civil society to find common ground on issues important to all Yemenis and to promote greater complementarity between UN mediation efforts and the work of Yemeni civil society.“The consultation created an opportunity to exchange ideas and visions with people working on the ground in many governorates across Yemen. More importantly, this meeting renews hope for a peaceful political solution for Yemen” said a civil society leader from the Civil Alliance for Peace.
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Press Release
05 March 2024
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- MESSAGE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR DISARMAMENT AND NON-PROLIFERATION AWARENESS
This second International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness comes at a perilous moment, marked by rising levels of military spending, deepening geopolitical tensions and growing violent conflicts across the globe.Meanwhile, some leaders are using apocalyptic rhetoric on the use of nuclear weapons. The proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, the use of explosive devices in populated areas, and the growing military application of new and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are also serious concerns. Today reminds us that disarmament and non-proliferation are critical not only to a peaceful future, but to our very existence.Global leaders must invest in peace by strengthening the systems and tools that prevent the proliferation and use of deadly weapons — including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons — and by developing disarmament solutions. The proposed New Agenda for Peace includes new strategies and approaches to eliminate the threats posed by nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and other emerging dangers, such as autonomous weapons systems. On this important day, let us speak with one loud, clear and united voice. It’s time to stop the madness. We need disarmament now. ***
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Press Release
05 March 2024
UNICEF/WHO : More than 1.29 million children in Yemen protected from polio after door-to-door immunization campaign | 05 March 2024
In just 4 days, a polio immunization campaign in Yemen has reached more than 1.29 million children aged under 5 years. Overall, the campaign achieved 101% coverage, with a range of 89% to over 100%. Yemen’s Ministry of Public Health and Population collaborated with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to deliver this successful campaign.“This is an important step to protect children from deadly childhood diseases. With confirmed cases of polio among Yemeni children, an imminent threat persists. This is an ongoing risk to the life of every unvaccinated child. Health authorities and donors must continue to work together to ensure universal immunization coverage for all children across Yemen,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Yemen.“This is a major achievement in advancing the health outcomes and well-being of children in Yemen. Poliovirus and other childhood diseases can cause permanent disabilities and, in many cases, death. But a small dose of vaccine can provide the necessary protection. There is no reason for children to die of vaccine-preventable diseases. Children are the future, and all investment in their health is an investment in the development of the country,” said Dr Arturo Pesigan, WHO Representative in Yemen.The campaign was implemented with the generous support of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Through this campaign, Yemen joined more than 35 countries in using the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), which has been granted WHO prequalification. The success of the campaign also resulted from joining forces with health providers who worked hard to reach unvaccinated and zero-dose children to reduce the spread of the disease.Notes to editorsFrom 2021 to 2023, Yemen reported 237 variant poliovirus type 2 cases – both circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) and vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV). These are known to emerge in contexts of chronic underimmunization. The cases came from 117 districts, and 90% of the affected children were aged under 5 years, while 10% of cases were older children.Low vaccination coverage and vaccine hesitancy leave children vulnerable to outbreaks of potentially fatal diseases that can easily be prevented. Organized and widespread antivaccination campaigns that misinform the public have also prevented the effective control of disease outbreaks in many communities.More informationPolio outbreak in Yemen: situation updatePoliomyelitis (polio) Media contactsWHO Yemen CommunicationsEmail: mediayemen@who.intUNICEF Yemen CommunicationsEmail: yemenmedia@unicef.orgAbout WHOSince 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been the United Nations agency dedicated to advancing health for all, so that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, direct and coordinate the world’s responses to health emergencies and connect nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.About UNICEFUNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
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Press Release
04 March 2024
UNEP: Rich countries use six times more resources, generate 10 times the climate impacts than low-income ones, far exceeding human needs and nature’s capacity
Extraction of the Earth’s natural resources tripled in the past five decades, related to the massive build-up of infrastructure in many parts of the world and the high levels of material consumption, especially in upper-middle and high-income countries. Material extraction is expected to rise by 60 per cent by 2060 and could derail efforts to achieve not only global climate, biodiversity, and pollution targets but also economic prosperity and human well-being, according to a report published today by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)-hosted International Resource Panel. The 2024 Global Resource Outlook, developed by the International Resource Panel with authors from around the globe and launched during the sixth session of the UN Environment Assembly, calls for sweeping policy changes to bring humanity to live within its means and reduce this projected growth in resource use by one third, while growing the economy, improving well-being, and minimizing environmental impacts. The report finds that growth in resource use since 1970 from 30 to 106 billion tonnes – or from 23 to 39 kilogrammes of materials used on average per person per day – has dramatic environmental impacts. Overall, resource extraction and processing account for over 60 per cent of planet-warming emissions and for 40 per cent of health-related impacts of air pollution. The extraction and processing of biomass (e.g., agricultural crops and forestry) accounts for 90 per cent of land-related biodiversity loss and water stress, as well as one-third of greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, extraction and processing of fossil fuels, metals and non-metallic minerals (e.g., sand, gravel, clay) together account for 35 per cent of global emissions. “The triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature loss and pollution is driven from a crisis of unsustainable consumption and production. We must work with nature, instead of merely exploiting it,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “Reducing the resource intensity of mobility, housing, food and energy systems is the only way we can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and ultimately a just and liveable planet for all.” At the heart of global resource use are fundamental inequalities: low-income countries consume six times less materials and generate 10 times less climate impacts than those living in high-income countries. Upper middle-income countries have more than doubled resource use in the past 50 years due to their own growth in infrastructure and the relocation of resource intensive processes from high-income countries. At the same time, per capita resource use and related environmental impacts in low-income countries has remained relatively low and almost unchanged since 1995. Where consumption levels are very high, greater focus on lowering resource and material consumption levels to complement action on production and resource efficiency can reduce around 30 per cent of global resource use as compared to historical trends, while growing the global economy, improving lives, and staying within planetary boundaries. Where resource use needs to grow, strategies can be put in place to maximise the value of each unit of resource used and meet human needs in ways that are not resource intensive, so that the benefits of resource use far outpace the rate of their extraction and the environmental and health impacts stay in line with international obligations on climate, biodiversity, and sustainability. Incorporating environmental externalities in trade agreements, strengthening regulation of financial commodity markets, and putting in place impact related border adjustment policies are just some of the ways that countries can prevent a race to the bottom on environmental and social standards of resource extraction, and maximise and retain the value from extraction processes in country. “We should not accept that meeting human needs must be resource intensive, and we must stop stimulating extraction-based economic success. With decisive action by politicians and the private sector, a decent life for all is possible without costing the earth,” said Janez Potočnik, the International Resource Panel’s Co-Chair. “Last year’s climate conference agreed to transition away from fossil fuels. Now is the time to bring everyone to the table to phase up solutions to make that possible. Now is the time to phase up resource-based solutions for climate, biodiversity and equity so that everyone, everywhere can live a life in dignity,” said Izabella Teixeira, the International Resource Panel’s Co-Chair. Specific recommendations include: Institutionalizing resource governance and defining resource use paths especially the consideration of sustainable resource use in strategies to implement Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and improving the ability of countries to benchmark and set targets for resource consumption and productivity. Directing finance towards sustainable resource use by reflecting the true costs of resources in the structure of the economy (i.e., subsidies, regulation, taxes, nudges, infrastructure, and planning). Additional recommendations include channelling private finance towards sustainable resource use and incorporating resource-related risk into Public and Central Bank mandates. Mainstreaming sustainable consumption options by making sure consumers have the right information, have access to and are able to afford sustainable goods and services. Such measures must be coupled with regulation to disincentivize or ban resource-intensive options (like non-essential single use plastic products). Making trade an engine of sustainable resource use by creating a level playing field where the true environmental and social costs of goods are reflected in prices by introducing MEAs into trade agreements, for example. Creating circular, resource-efficient and low impact solutions, and business models to include refuse, reduce, eco-design, reuse, repair, and recycling, as well as supportive regulation and evaluation of existing systems. Implemented together, these policies can transform the built environment, mobility, food, and energy systems, resulting in an upsurge in renewable energies and energy efficiency, decarbonization of material production, more walkable and cyclable cities with better public transportation and remote work opportunities, as well as reduced food loss and waste. High- and upper-middle income countries would see a dietary shift away from animal protein and more compact cities, while lower-income economies would experience a rise in resource use to enable dignified living. Such systemic shifts are projected to peak resource extraction by 2040 and then decrease use to only 20 per cent above 2020 levels by 2060. Greenhouse gas emissions would drop by over 80 per cent, stocks of transport-related materials and building materials would fall by 50 and 25 per cent respectively, and land-use for agriculture would fall by 5 per cent. Concurrently, food production would increase by 40 per cent, to support populations, even where there is growth and food security, the global economy would grow by 3 per cent, and the Human Development Index would improve by 7 per cent, boosting incomes and well-being. Given the failure so far to deliver on many policy commitments in MEAs and the urgency of the triple planetary crisis, the report supports immediate actions, following the principle of ‘best available science.’ NOTES TO EDITORS About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. About the International Resource Panel (IRP) The IRP was launched in 2007 by UNEP to establish a science-policy interface on the sustainable use of natural resources and in particular their environmental impacts over the full life cycle. The Panel consists of eminent scientists with expertise in resource management issues. It studies key questions around global resource use and produces assessment reports that distill the latest scientific, technical, and socio-economic findings to inform decision-making. For more information, please contact: News and Media Unit, UN Environment Programme
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Press Release
29 February 2024
Japan and UNOPS sign a new agreement in support of UN-led peace process and humanitarian response in Yemen
The Government of Japan and UNOPS signed a new agreement to support the UN-led peace process and humanitarian response in Yemen through the provision of operational support to the Peace Support Project (PSP) and the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM).Through this critical initiative, UNOPS extends support to the UN-led efforts to achieve a political settlement, under the auspices of the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen (OSESGY). The project will also contribute to facilitating the flow of essential supplies and commodities to Yemen, through the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM) operated by UNOPS.Kazuhiro Higashi, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Yemen, said; “The Government of Japan is pleased to support the PSP and UNVIM. Through this support, we hope to contribute to improving the humanitarian situation in Yemen and promoting Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue.”Appreciating the value of the initiative, Muhammad Usman Akram, Representative and Director of UNOPS Operational Hub in Amman, said: “UNOPS is pleased to work with all partners to support the UN-led peace process and humanitarian response to help the people of Yemen build a better future.”The project will contribute to SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and strong institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. - END -
About UNOPS:UNOPS helps the UN and its partners provide peace and security, humanitarian and development solutions. The organization’s mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. UNOPS services cover infrastructure, project management, procurement, financial management, and human resources. Partners call on UNOPS to supplement their capacities, improve speed, reduce risks, boost cost-effectiveness, and increase quality.UNOPS Operational Hub in Amman covers projects in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen and implements work in partnership with bilateral donors, national governments, and other UN agencies.For Press Inquiries, please contact:Anwar Abu Sakieneh,Communications Specialist, UNOPS Operational Hub in Amman Mobile number: +962 7 9902 6315AnwarAB@unops.org or +962 6 5902122
About UNOPS:UNOPS helps the UN and its partners provide peace and security, humanitarian and development solutions. The organization’s mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. UNOPS services cover infrastructure, project management, procurement, financial management, and human resources. Partners call on UNOPS to supplement their capacities, improve speed, reduce risks, boost cost-effectiveness, and increase quality.UNOPS Operational Hub in Amman covers projects in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen and implements work in partnership with bilateral donors, national governments, and other UN agencies.For Press Inquiries, please contact:Anwar Abu Sakieneh,Communications Specialist, UNOPS Operational Hub in Amman Mobile number: +962 7 9902 6315AnwarAB@unops.org or +962 6 5902122
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Press Release
26 February 2024
WHO - UNICEF Yemen: Polio immunization campaign to protect 1.3 million children in 12 governorates of Yemen
Around 1.3 million children aged under five will be protected against polio in a vaccination campaign launched today with the support of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The Ministry of Public Health and Population aims to reach every child and UNICEF and WHO are assisting by providing the vaccine, equipping with cold chain storage, funding for training and deployment of vaccinators for the campaign targeting 12 governorates in Yemen.This vaccination campaign is in response to an outbreak of variant poliovirus type 2, which to date has paralysed 237 children across Yemen. Polio infection can result in permanent, debilitating paralysis. It has no known cure but can easily be prevented through vaccination.“For Yemen’s children, vaccination offers much-needed protection in one of the world’s most challenging contexts. The teams have been working around the clock to train vaccinators and make sure the cold rooms and solar fridges are working and cold boxes are in place to keep the vaccine cold from the moment it arrives in Yemen until it reaches every girl and boy under the age of five,” said UNICEF Representative in Yemen Peter Hawkins.“We know that it is not enough to tell parents why it is important to vaccinate their children. In Yemen, where parents are dealing with conflict, economic crisis and extremely limited public health infrastructure and services, we need to improve access to vaccination. We need to make it easier. In this campaign, we have worked closely with the Ministry of Public Health and Population to ensure the vaccine will be brought to the doorstep of every house in every community in these 12 governorates,” added WHO Representative in Yemen Dr Arturo Pesigan.Mass immunization campaigns aim to boost population immunity in a context of increased risk. This polio campaign comes as children continue to be paralysed, and as testing of wastewater shows the presence of poliovirus in communities. The campaign aims to give girls and boys under the age of five an extra boost of protection, on top of their regularly scheduled immunizations and the supplementary immunization campaigns that took place in 2022 and 2023. A second round of polio vaccination campaign will happen after Ramadan.The vaccination campaign in Yemen is part of the global effort to eradicate poliovirus, spearheaded by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.February 2024 polio vaccination campaign in numbers3-day campaign: 25, 26 and 27 February1 290 046 children targeted120 districts across 12 governorates5882 mobile vaccination teams845 vaccination teams working from health facilities1 billion children globally have already benefited from novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) protection.Zero cost to parents: vaccination is free.More informationPolio outbreak in Yemen: situation updateMedia contactsWHO Yemen Communications
Email: mediayemen@who.intUNICEF Yemen CommunicationEmail: yemenmedia@unicef.orgAbout WHOSince 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been the United Nations agency dedicated to advancing health for all, so that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, direct and coordinate the world’s responses to health emergencies and connect nations, partners, and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. About UNICEFUNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
Email: mediayemen@who.intUNICEF Yemen CommunicationEmail: yemenmedia@unicef.orgAbout WHOSince 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been the United Nations agency dedicated to advancing health for all, so that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, direct and coordinate the world’s responses to health emergencies and connect nations, partners, and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. About UNICEFUNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
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