United Nations 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:

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Publication

30 April 2024

UN Yemen Country Results Report 2023

United Nations Country Team in Yemen:The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Yemen comprises representatives from 19 United Nations Funds, Programmes, and Specialized agencies, led by the United Nations Resident Coordinator. This team is pivotal in assisting Yemen to meet its development goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among these members, five agencies operate without a physical presence within the country, highlighting the challenging context in which the UNCT operates. The team collaborates closely with a United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), crucial for disseminating information about the UN’s activities in Yemen.
The activities of the Yemen UNCT are guided by a strategic United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) specifically tailored for Yemen, extending through 2025. Initiated in the 2022, this cooperation framework is a vital planning and implementation tool for the UNCT’s development initiatives in Yemen. It is closely aligned with Yemen’s context and the global 2030 Agenda, setting forth four strategic pillars that lead to specific outcomes and outputs. Oversight and strategic guidance for this framework is provided by the Programme Management Team (PMT) that includes relevant UN agencies. To support its operations, the Yemen UNCT benefits from various coordination mechanisms, including four Results Groups that align with the strategic outcomes of the Cooperation Framework. The framework’s implementation is further supported by an Operations Management Team (OMT), a United Nations Communications Group (UNCG), and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Group (MEL). These entities play a crucial role in ensuring the UN’s work in Yemen is coherent, effective, and efficient, despite the complex challenges faced in the country. United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework:STRATEGIC PILLAR 1: INCREASE FOOD SECURITY, IMPROVING LIVELIHOOD OPTIONS AND JOB CREATION Outcome: Availability, sustainability and inclusive access to quality nutrition, food security, environment, and resilient livelihoods enhanced.Focus areas:Enhancement of Nutritional and Health Quality and Diversity.Sustainable Agricultural Practices.Inclusive Access to Resources and Markets.Climate Resilience and Adaptation in Food Systems.Strengthening Local Food Systems and Short Supply Chains. STRATEGIC PILLAR 2: PRESERVE AND STRENGTHEN INCLUSIVE, EFFECTIVE, AND EFFICIENT NATIONAL AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMSOutcome:
Rights-based experience of the governance and Rule of Law services and frontline stakeholders enhanced.Focus areas:Capacity Building of Governance Institutions.Education and Awareness on Rights.Enhancing Service Delivery.Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination.Access to Justice and Legal Aid.Public Participation and Inclusion. STRATEGIC PILLAR 3: DRIVE INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATIONOutcome:Access to decent work with livelihood opportunities for resilience to economic shocks increased for all.Focus areas:Skills Development and Vocational Training.Support Small and Medium Enterprises.Labor Rights and Protection.Social Protection.Economic Support.Gender Equality and Access. STRATEGIC PILLAR 4: BUILD SOCIAL SERVICES, SOCIAL PROTECTION AND INCLUSION FOR ALLOutcome:
Quality, access and use of needs-based, equitable, inclusive social protection and social services improved.Focus areas:Healthcare Access and Equity.Education for All.Child and family Welfare.Income and Livelihood Support.Accessibility and Inclusion.

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Press Release

05 September 2024

IOM Yemen: IOM Appeals for USD 13.3 Million to Help Hundreds of Thousands Affected by Yemen Floods

Yemen, 5 September – In response to the severe flooding and violent windstorms affecting nearly 562,000 people in Yemen, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched a USD 13.3 million appeal to deliver urgent life-saving assistance. The unprecedented weather events have compounded the humanitarian crisis in the country, leaving thousands of internally displaced persons and host communities in dire need of assistance. “Yemen is facing yet another devastating chapter in its relentless crisis, exacerbated by the intersection of conflict and extreme weather events,” said Matt Huber, IOM Yemen’s Acting Chief of Mission. “IOM teams are on the ground, working around the clock to deliver immediate relief to families affected by this catastrophe. However, the scale of the destruction is staggering, and we urgently need additional funding to ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind. We must act immediately to prevent further loss and alleviate the suffering of those impacted.” In recent months, torrential rains and flooding have destroyed homes, displaced thousands of families, and severely damaged critical infrastructure, including health centres, schools, and roads. Across multiple governorates, including Ibb, Sana’a, Ma’rib, Al Hodeidah, and Ta’iz, thousands of people have been left without shelter, clean water, or access to basic services, and scores of lives have been tragically lost. The storms have struck as the country grapples with a cholera outbreak and escalating food insecurity, further exacerbating the vulnerability of displaced families and strained health systems. As the harsh weather conditions are expected to continue, more households are at risk of displacement and exposure to disease outbreaks due to damaged water and health infrastructure. Ma’rib Governorate has been particularly hard-hit, with strong winds since 11 August severely damaging 73 displacement sites and affecting over 21,000 households. Public services, including electricity networks, have been severely affected, aggravating the crisis in one of Yemen’s most vulnerable regions. Urgent shelter repairs and cash assistance are needed, with healthcare services and sanitation infrastructure among the most immediate priorities. Since early August, floodwaters have damaged shelters, roads, water sources, and medical facilities, leaving over 15,000 families in Al Hodeidah and 11,000 in Ta’iz in desperate need of emergency support. These rains have not only led to tragic loss of life but have also wiped out entire communities’ belongings and means of survival. In response to this crisis, IOM is targeting 350,000 people with shelter, non-food items (NFI), cash-based interventions, health, camp coordination and camp management, and water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions. Distribution of water tanks, latrine repairs, and desludging efforts are ongoing in multiple sites, while health services are being expanded, with mobile teams currently treating over 100 individuals and referring critical cases to hospitals. IOM’s efforts are further supported by emergency response committees working tirelessly to register and verify affected households, relocate displaced families, and reduce the risks of further damage. However, the resources available are insufficient to cover the vast needs, with key gaps remaining, especially in the shelter and NFI sector. With no contingency stocks for essential relief items and the situation growing more critical by the day, immediate funding is necessary to address the most pressing needs on the ground. IOM stands ready to scale up its response but requires the necessary resources to do so. With further severe weather expected in the coming weeks and funding constraints, the Organization is urgently calling on the international community to support this appeal to continue providing lifesaving aid and address the overwhelming needs of those affected. To read the full appeal, please visit this page. For more information, please contact:  In Yemen: Monica Chiriac, mchiriac@iom.int  In Cairo: Joe Lowry, jlowry@iom.int  In Geneva: Mohammedali Abunajela, mmabunajela@iom.int 

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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.

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Press Release

15 August 2024

UNFPA/UNICEF Yemen: Life-saving aid critical as torrential rain sparks deadly floods across Yemen

Sana’a, 15 August 2024As relentless rain and catastrophic flooding in Yemen continue to exacerbate the suffering of families grappling with the impacts of poverty, hunger and protracted conflict, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund and UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, are delivering life-saving aid to some of the most vulnerable individuals through the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM). With torrential rains forecast to continue into September, US$4.9 million is urgently needed to scale up the emergency response. Exceptionally heavy seasonal rains have caused flash floods in Yemen which are wreaking havoc in different parts of the country – the governorates of Al Hodeidah, Hajjah, Sa’ada, and Taizz are among the hardest-hit. Homes, shelters, and belongings have been swept away. Since early August, more than 180,000 people have been affected – over 50,000 people have been displaced in Al Hodeidah alone – a figure that is likely to rise in the coming days. Within 72 hours of the floods, over 80,000 people in flood-affected governorates had received emergency relief through the RRM, including ready to eat food rations, hygiene items, and women’s sanitary products. These items offer some immediate relief from the hardships caused by these catastrophic events. “The devastating floods have increased people’s needs, which are tremendous,” said Enshrah Ahmed, UNFPA Representative to Yemen. “Our RRM teams are working round the clock to provide immediate relief to affected families, but with rising needs and severe weather conditions forecasted, the coming weeks and months will be critical to ensuring affected families can pick themselves up and, at the very least, recover their lives.” In 2024, an estimated 82 percent of people supported through the RRM have been severely affected or displaced by climate-related shocks. As a result of the unseasonal levels of rain, the RRM cluster has had to spring into action, overstretching RRM teams, and depleting available supplies and resources. As needs continue to rise, RRM teams are struggling to reach affected families due to damaged roads, the erosion of landmines and unexploded ordnance from frontline to civilian areas. Items included in the RRM package are also in short supply. “The situation in the flooded areas is devastating. UNICEF and partners are on the ground providing urgently needed support to those impacted. The role of the Rapid Response Teams is critical in times of distress such as this one,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative to Yemen.The RRM in Yemen was established in 2018 to provide a minimum package of immediate, critical life-saving assistance during human-made or natural disasters to newly displaced persons, and people in displacement sites or hard-to-reach areas, until the first line cluster response kicks in. The RRM ensures the distribution of immediate, ready-to-eat rations, basic hygiene kits provided by UNICEF, and women’s sanitary items provided by UNFPA, within 72 hours of a displacement alert. *** For more information, please contact UNFPA Taha Yaseen: Tel. +967 712 224090; yaseen@unfpa.org Lankani Sikurajapathy: Tel. +94773411614; sikurajapathy@unfpa.org UNICEF Kamal Al-Wazizah: Tel. +967 712 223 06; kalwazizah@unicef.org

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Story

19 December 2024

IOM Yemen: A Mother’s Love Knows No Bounds

Ma’rib, Yemen What would you do if you found a newborn baby? This is the remarkable story of two women on the move, Tayto and Darwisha, who faced that very situation in Yemen. In an extraordinary twist of fate, both women discovered abandoned newborns shortly after giving birth to their own children – Tayto’s first and Darwisha’s fifteenth.  Two years ago, Tayto boarded an overcrowded boat in Obock, Djibouti, with 150 others, many of them women like herself seeking a better future. Leaving her family behind in Ethiopia, she could have never imagined her journey would lead her to a migrant settlement in Ma’rib, Yemen.  Ma’rib, with its resilient and ever-changing migrant community, soon became Tayto’s new home, where she found work as a housekeeper. However, just three months after settling in Yemen, she discovered she was pregnant.  Shortly after, she lost her job. Without a steady income, Tayto faced the daunting reality of raising her child alone in a foreign land. Despite the challenges, Tayto’s heart stayed open. When she came across a little girl whose parents had vanished, she immediately took her in, offering her a safe and loving home.   Tayto admits that caring for two children without family support, in relentless heat and without electricity, has been an ongoing struggle. Yet her determination has never wavered. In many cultures, including Tayto’s, the responsibility to care for others – especially children in need – is deeply rooted in tradition. However, acts of kindness like hers often come at great personal cost, stretching limited resources even further. Amid these challenges, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) works tirelessly to provide assistance. Through vulnerability screenings, IOM identifies the most pressing needs and offers protection and case management support. For female-headed households like Tayto’s, IOM ensures the assistance addresses specific vulnerabilities to reinforce resilience where it is needed most. Yet even with support, the risks in the settlement are ever-present. Last June, Tayto’s fragile sense of stability was shattered when a fire broke out in the crowded community. The flames spread quickly, fueled by the densely packed shelters and windy conditions. Residents tried desperately to contain the blaze, but the fire was relentless. By the time it was finally subdued, Tayto’s shelter had been reduced to ashes.  In the aftermath, IOM stepped in to help those affected. Tayto received dignity kits, hygiene supplies, food, and emergency shelter, which helped ease the immediate burden. Still, the trauma lingered, adding to the challenges she already faced.  Like Tayto, Darwisha’s life was turned upside down when conflict and airstrikes forced her to flee from Al Hodeidah to another corner of Ma’rib, where she has lived for the past five years. Although her resources have been stretched thin, she found a sense of safety in the displacement camp. A mother at heart, Darwisha has always dreamed of having a large family. Today, she is the proud mother of 15 children. “Keeping track of everyone is not always easy,” she laughs, “but having so many kids means they always have each other’s company and care.” To support them, Darwisha collects and sells plastic bottles, earning a modest income. On one of these trips, just days before giving birth to her youngest, Darwisha made a discovery that would change her life forever. In a ditch, hidden beneath thorns and branches, she found a newborn, still covered in blood, with a tiny cap shielding his face. The pit was in a windy, desolate spot where stray dogs prowled nearby. Miraculously, the baby was unharmed. Darwisha quickly alerted the local community and shared her contact information, hoping a relative would come forward. Many strangers showed up, some offering money to take the baby in. Relying on her instincts, Darwisha couldn’t bring herself to let him go to someone she didn’t trust. “As a mother, I felt responsible for protecting him,” Darwisha explains.  They named him Daif Allah, which means ‘God’s guest’, convinced that divine intervention had led him to them. Their newborn daughter was named Anood, meaning ‘strong’ in English, a fitting name for the resilience they shared. This resilience was put to the test when conflict forced Darwisha’s family to flee their home. In those critical moments, they received vital assistance through IOM's Rapid Response Mechanism, which provides immediate, life-saving support to families displaced by crises. Within 72 hours, Darwisha’s family received a kit filled with essential relief supplies. Darwisha also received emergency cash assistance, which allowed her to purchase essential items from local markets, giving her the freedom to prioritize her family’s needs. With IOM’s support, the family received a transitional shelter and Darwisha was able to make improvements, upgrading the shelter and latrine. Without the support of women like Darwisha and Tayto, many of these children would face abandonment or other serious risks. To prevent this, IOM’s Protection team offers unaccompanied children a safe haven in community-based care facilities, where they receive health services, protection, and mental health and psychosocial support.  It has been over a year since Darwisha found Daif Allah, but she has always considered him her own. When her youngest daughter was born, she nursed both infants, watching them grow side by side, surrounded by their siblings and the close-knit support of their family. Darwisha admits that her days of having more children are behind her. Her poor eyesight, kidney stones, and anemia have taken their toll, and raising 15 children is already more than than she ever bargained for. While some of her children still go to school, the older ones have moved out and started families of their own. One day, when Daif Allah is older, Darwisha plans to tell him the story of how he came into her life and let him choose his own path, whether that means staying by her side or pursuing his own dreams. “All I want is for my children to be happy and safe,” she says. IOM’s Protection services in Ma’rib are funded by EU Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) and USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA). IOM’s RRM and Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) in Yemen is funded by BHA, ECHO, UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), and Qatar Charity. This story was written by Monica Chiriac, Media and Communications Officer with IOM Yemen. 

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Story

22 December 2024

IOM Yemen: Seeds of Hope A Stop-Motion Chronicle of Yemen’s Resilience

Sana’a, Yemen In a modest workshop in northern Yemen, where deeply rooted traditions often limit the roles women can play, a pioneering project quietly came to life. Seeds of Hope, Yemen’s very first stop-motion animation series, wasn’t just about animation – it was about telling stories of resilience, displacement, and the power of perseverance. Created through a collaboration between the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and media production company Yemen Production Network (YPN), the project faced its share of challenges, from limited resources to cultural barriers. The dedication required to overcome these obstacles was as meticulous and challenging as the process of bringing each frame to life.“We weren’t just working on a project,” explains Samira, a former art teacher turned motion graphic designer now working with YPN “This was our chance to show the world the strength of the Yemeni people, especially women. But getting there wasn’t easy.” Where It All BeganThe set for Seeds of Hope was crafted in a women-only workshop, adhering to the cultural norms of the region. Male team members, including the project’s executive producer, Moohi, the sound designer Motaz, photographers, and lighting technicians, were not able to access the workshop. Instead, the responsibility fell to women like Samira, who took the lead in designing and constructing the intricate miniature world where the series came to life. The workshop was a lively but challenging environment. “At times, some of our female colleagues were not available for extended hours,” Samira shares. “Cultural restrictions limited their availability, while others had children or babies to care for. This meant that some of us had to work longer hours to keep things on track.” Foam scraps, fabric remnants, and cardboard became the building blocks of their creations. Samira’s hands were often stained with paint or glue as she sculpted rocks, painted walls, and stitched tiny tents.“We asked IOM for references to ensure we captured the realism of life. As an artist, when I draw something on paper, every detail matters. The challenge now was to translate that into a tangible world. If it didn’t feel real, I didn’t feel good about it.” – Samira, Graphic Designer Bringing Characters to LifeAt the heart of the series were its characters, each inspired by real stories from Yemen. Aisha, the young girl whose drawings bring hope to her community, was modelled after displaced children Samira had seen in her neighbourhood. “I thought about the kids I had taught back in the day,” she says. “Many of them dreamt of becoming doctors, engineers or athletes one day, but their circumstances held them back.” For Rana, a 21-year-old graphic design graduate, working on Aisha felt deeply personal. Growing up amid Yemen’s conflict, she found the character’s story resonated with her own experiences. “When I animated the scene where Aisha sits under a crumbling building, clutching a photo of her family, I couldn’t help but feel the same emotions I had when the war started,” Rana shares. “The faint sounds of bombs in the background brought back memories of fear and uncertainty.” The two women worked together on every detail, from Aisha’s clothing to her facial expressions. “Making her movements believable was difficult,” Rana explains, “but capturing her emotions was the real challenge and also the most important part for me. I wanted her to reflect my feelings.” A Soundtrack of ResilienceDuring the shoot, Rana and Samira focused on perfecting the visuals, while Motaz worked behind the scenes to create a soundtrack that captured the spirit of Yemen. By blending traditional Yemeni tunes with ambient soundscapes, he added depth and authenticity to the project.“It was a challenge to get everything I needed,” Motaz admits. “We didn’t have a big budget for original music, so I worked with what was available. The goal was to make the music feel like it truly belonged to the story.”To ensure the audio matched the emotional tone of the series, Motaz immersed himself in the script, reading it multiple times to understand the voice behind each character. “I sat down with the voice actors before they even looked at the script,” he says. “I explained the story to them, played the videos, and helped them connect with their characters. It wasn’t just about reading lines – it was about bringing them to life.” Moments of TriumphEvery frame completed felt like a victory for the team. For Samira, the process was as much about learning as it was about creating. “I didn’t know much about migrants and why they were in Yemen,” she admits, reflecting on her work on Dawit, an Ethiopian migrant character. “To make Dawit realistic, I needed to understand his story.” She dove into the script, researched online, and watched videos. “I was shocked to learn they walk such long distances. Seeing Dawit come to life on set made it feel real – it truly reflected the incredible journeys migrants take to better their lives.” For Rana, the most memorable moment was animating Aisha’s pivotal scene, where she picks up her pencil and begins to draw. “That moment captured everything we wanted to convey about hope. It wasn’t just about her – it was about us.” – Rana, Graphic Designer A Message of HopeResilience, creativity, and storytelling were at the core of the series. “Frame by frame, we told our story and planted seeds for a better future,” Rana shares. For Samira, the project was life-changing. “I learned what’s possible when people come together with a shared goal. I hope this inspires others to believe in themselves, even if they start small.” For the creators, Seeds of Hope was about far more than animation – it was about building a bridge between Yemen and the world. “This project showed what’s possible when you have passion and a purpose,” says Moohi, the executive producer. “I’m proud of what we accomplished, despite all the challenges.”Watch the complete series of Seeds of Hope now.

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Story

15 December 2024

UNICEF Yemen: Lingering impact of conflict shadowing learning environment of children in Yemen

Deep in the high mountains of Razih, Sa’ada, in northern Yemen, children in small communities continue to face the long-lasting impact of recurring conflicts. Aid deliveries and access to basic services remain limited in the area that can only be reached with nearly a seven-hour road journey from the central city of Sa’ada on rugged terrains avoiding bridges and roads destroyed by airstrikes.In particular, children bear the brunt of limited educational opportunities and school facilities destroyed during long years of conflict. Al-Imam Al Hadi School is one stark example, which continues to serve hundreds of students despite having been bombed out and left with concrete skeletons without a roof or walls. “The school was bombed by an aircraft in 2009 during the sixth war. From that day until now, it has been like this as you see. We were hoping that this school would be built for a better future for the students but the circumstances forced the school to remain as it is” said Hussein Yahya, the principal of the school, adding that some students dropped out of school or stopped education altogether.“The educational environment has a significant impact on the psychological status of students and the school needs to be rebuilt and furnished,” he said.Students sit on concrete floors without desks, chairs or even blackboards, and take exams on the floor often wet with rain. Broken poles and exposed wires hang on the fragile structure, stalking fears of collapse. Abdul-Malik, an eighth-grade student says, “We are exposed to the sun, cold and rain. And dirt and stones are everywhere. When heavy rains were falling on us, we stopped studying. Yes, it is hard. My parents worry until I get home. They are afraid that I may fall off a pole (of the destroyed school) or come home sick.”Nestled in the highest areas of the mountains bordering Saudi Arabia, the communities have limited sources of livelihood. Most families near the school engage in farming or herding, and children, including Abdul-Malik, support their family business or spend hours fetching water from afar due to the lack of safe and sustainable water sources nearby, an additional burden for students juggling school and household chores. Despite challenges and safety concerns, around 500 students come to the school every day, keeping their strong appetite to study. “I like going to school to study and see my friends. It is important for building my future and my dreams.”Abdul-MalikParents and community members are eager to support children. They have tried to improve the school conditions by adding concrete blocks in a classroom on the first floor. However, the destruction is so huge that more comprehensive support is needed to revamp the learning environment and establish a conducive and safe space.The conflict and collapsing education systems have had a profound impact on the learning environment for children in Yemen. Across the country, 2,426 schools have been either partially or fully damaged, or not functional, and one out of every four students of school age does not attend school. Those who can go to school are forced to cope with unequipped facilities and overburdened teachers, who are often not receiving salaries on a regular basis. UNICEF is supporting the rehabilitation and construction of 891 schools in Yemen this year. It also offers incentives for over 39,000 teachers to continue providing quality education. For Al-Imam Al Hadi School, chairs, desks and blackboards will be provided to improve the condition. But to completely restore or build a safer school environment for children, more resources are needed.“I hope the school will be built and furnished. I want it to be equipped with sanitary spaces, benches, blackboards, doors and windows because we have nothing,” said Abdul-Malik. “I hope our situation will be better so that I can reach a higher level.”

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04 December 2024

IOM Yemen: Dignity Through Adversity - Navigating Disability in Yemen’s Displacement Camps

Ma’rib, Yemen Since the onset of Yemen’s conflict, Ma’rib Governorate has become a haven for thousands displaced by violence and uncertainty. Over the past decade, waves of families have sought stability here, each arrival adding to the mounting challenges in an already strained environment.Among them is Salem, a husband and father who fled his home in Al Hodeidah with his wife and children two years ago to escape the escalating conflict. Life had once been stable for Salem’s family. Each day, he rode his motorcycle to earn enough to provide for his family’s basic needs, grounded in a comforting routine.Salem’s determination helped maintain a sense of normalcy for his family, but that resilience was tested when the conflict reached his doorstep. A missile strike near their modest home forced them to abandon everything they had worked for.Now in the arid landscape of Al Khseef displacement site in Ma’rib, Salem and his family are hoping to rebuild their lives. Like countless others, they had to leave everything behind and the dream of a stable home never materialized. Salem never imagined he would ever have to build a shelter out of sticks and worn fabric. A New StruggleThe hardships only deepened when Salem suffered a medical setback that changed everything. After a routine injection, he began losing control of his legs, and within a year, he was left paralyzed. Doctors recommended treatment abroad, but the costs were far beyond what Salem could afford.“When my children fall sick, I’m afraid of them receiving injections,” Salem confides. “I don’t want them to end up like me.” With Salem unable to work, the family’s roles shifted dramatically. Hasna, his wife, took on the role of primary provider, stepping up for the family during this difficult time. She joined the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Protection team as a volunteer, providing much-needed stability for her family during this difficult time. Amidst the chaos, Hasna tried to balance her work with caring for her husband. While visiting family in Al Hodeidah, Hasna would often call to check on Salem and the children. Then, one day, Salem received the devastating news that Hasna had passed away unexpectedly. “The sudden loss of my wife left me in despair; she was my only support.” – Salem, Displaced Father Unseen StrengthAs one of 4.5 million people with disabilities in Yemen, Salem faces constant challenges in accessing basic services, such as healthcare, water points, and latrines – most of which are shared and often inaccessible. The sandy terrain around the displacement site further complicates his mobility.At just fourteen years old, Salem’s son had to take on responsibilities far beyond his years. To help support the family, he began working on a nearby farm during the onion harvest season and occasionally rented a motorcycle for a day’s labour, working long hours under the hot sun and holding onto whatever hope he could for his family. Meanwhile, Shafika, Salem’s teenage daughter, had to step into her mother’s role. Her days, once meant for learning and play, are now filled with caring for her younger siblings. She manages the household as best she can, preparing meals with whatever little they have. She also looks after her father, helping him move around and staying attentive to his needs. “I feel happy caring for my father, but I also have a deep fear of losing him, just as we lost our mother.” – Shafika, Salem’s Daughter Dignity for AllIOM has dedicated itself to meeting the essential needs of people with disabilities, recognizing the unique challenges they face. Through its Protection team, IOM provides cash assistance to help cover basic yet critical expenses like food, healthcare, and transportation, ensuring that these families can manage their daily lives with dignity. IOM also distributes dignity kits with essential hygiene items to meet practical needs while promoting respect and inclusion within the community.For Salem and his children, IOM’s support has meant a step toward stability. By providing a transitional shelter, IOM has given them a secure space with privacy, protection from strong winds, and safety from stray animals, restoring a sense of peace amidst the uncertainty.Additionally, IOM’s Camp Coordination and Camp Management workshop in Ma’rib has produced essential equipment to make daily life more comfortable and accessible for people with disabilities. In 2024 alone, more than 130 people received items like beds, accessible toilet sets, and specially designed wheelchairs, fostering independence and offering a renewed sense of freedom. Fostering InclusionMarsani*, Project Assistant with IOM’s Protection team, has been dedicated to supporting people with disabilities for over six years. She believes that helping people with disabilities is deeply rewarding, allowing them to build confidence, gain independence and improve their quality of life. During her visits to displacement sites, Marsani focuses on helping people with disabilities find a place within their communities, providing mental health and psychological support along the way. To combat discrimination, IOM’s teams regularly conduct awareness-raising sessions that not only support individuals with disabilities but also benefit their families, building a foundation of empathy.“Helping people with disabilities gives them a sense of strength and connection, knowing that someone genuinely cares about their well-being,” explains Marsani.* Name has been changed for protection reasons FootnotesThe support for people with disabilities has been made possible thanks to the support of USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), in the framework of IOM’s Protection activities in Yemen. #InternationalDayofPersonswithDisabilities

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27 November 2024

IOM Yemen: Mending the Pieces: A Migrant’s Quest for Safety in Yemen

By: Abeer Alhasani | Communication and Translation Assistant with IOM YemenAden, Yemen In the heart of Aden, Yemen, the plight of migrants like Suad* reveals a harsh reality faced by many. At just 25 years old, Suad made the life-altering decision to embark on a perilous journey from her small Ethiopian village. Supported by her family, who sought to escape the clutches of poverty, she set her sights on the Gulf countries, drawn in by smugglers’ promises of a better future just a few days away.After departing from the coast of Djibouti, she embarked on a perilous journey aboard a flimsy boat navigating turbulent waters. Despite her family’s sacrifices to pay the smugglers for a safe passage, Suad endured countless days and nights on the vessel, facing fierce winds and hunger.Finally, when she stepped off the boat onto solid ground, Suad felt a flicker of hope as she began her journey toward safety. However, as she walked for days across the harsh desert, that hope began to fade under the weight of fear and uncertainty. Despite enduring a decade of conflict, Yemen continues to serve as a transit point for countless migrants who share a common goal: to support their families back home. However, many, like Suad, remain unaware of the ongoing conflict that has engulfed the country for close to a decade. In 2024, over 16,000 migrants arrived in Yemen, undeterred by the harsh living conditions and the risks of trafficking and gender-based violence.For Suad, the journey was particularly challenging. After several unsuccessful attempts to hitch a ride, she was forced to spend weeks walking from Al Makha to Al Hodeidah. Upon finally reaching Sana’a, the smugglers forced Suad and other migrants to stay in a small den, isolated from the outside world, as they waited for news to travel further.After a couple of months in Sana’a, the smugglers coerced Suad into marrying a Yemeni man to secure her stay in the country. “In the beginning, I felt so scared to share my life with a foreign man whose words I couldn’t even understand,” she recalls. The two had a son and daughter, and when her husband received an opportunity to work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Suad dedicated herself fully to caring for their children. With great effort, Suad managed to reach her family in their isolated village, only to learn of her parents’ sudden deaths. Though devastated by the news, she felt a sense of relief in having found shelter with a man who provided protection for her and her children from the dangers outside.Unfortunately, her sense of security was short-lived. Her husband discovered he had a debilitating illness and soon passed away. Left with no means to care for her children, Suad took on house-to-house cleaning and looked for support wherever she could. Determined to return home to see her last surviving brother, Suad had to carefully navigate the financial and logistical challenges involved in making the journey back.“I don't have the words to describe how horrible the experience is for migrants trying to reach Yemen and those trying to leave, facing the constant risks of trafficking and exploitation,” Suad shares. Unlike many other migrants, she and her children were still in good health, but her passport had been reduced to ashes in a fire. After that difficult experience, Suad decided to embark on another 10-day journey to Aden. Ultimately, she arrived at the Migrant Response Point (MRP), managed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), where newly arrived migrants receive essential services such as health and mental health and psychosocial support.When Suad arrived at the MRP in Aden, her tears revealed more than words could tell. “After enduring so much suffering, all I want is to reunite with my beloved family safely,” she confesses. With the support of doctors at IOM’s clinic, she received emergency assistance tailored to her needs. After assessing their needs and health conditions, individuals with heightened vulnerabilities like Suad are referred to the Community-Based Care (CBC) for specialized support.When Suad arrived at the MRP in Aden, her tears revealed more than words could tell. “After enduring so much suffering, all I want is to reunite with my beloved brother,” she shares. With the support of doctors at IOM’s clinic, she received emergency assistance tailored to her needs. After assessing their needs and health conditions, migrants with heightened vulnerabilities like Suad are referred to the Community-Based Care (CBC) for specialized support. To facilitate the safe return of migrants, IOM arranges regular flights as part of its Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme, ensuring that migrants have access to the necessary travel documents through ongoing collaboration with authorities. Before their return, migrants receive medical screenings, awareness-raising sessions, basic travel kits, food, and accommodation. So far in 2024, close to 9,000 migrants have been assisted to safely return home from Yemen.Dekra Othman, a caseworker who welcomes migrants on their first visit to the MRP, emphasizes the importance of this support: “The MRP is like a home where everyone does their utmost to provide migrants with a safe atmosphere, enabling them to recover and prepare for their journey home.”In her role, she assists migrants with the registration process and refers them to health services based on individual assessments. Many of the migrants she encounters have endured atrocities and faced experiences of gender-based violence, particularly women, which makes it incredibly challenging for them to open up and seek help.“Many migrants arrive at the center struggling to speak due to the weight of their experiences,” says Dekra. “However, with the right support and care, they begin to find their voices again.” * The name has been changed for protection reasonsIOM’s protection services in Yemen are funded by EU Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), the United States Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Together with 48 other humanitarian and development organizations and governments, IOM coordinates the Regional Migrant Response Plan for the Horn of Africa, Yemen and Southern Africa (MRP) to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of migrants along the Eastern Route. Although MRP partners appealed for USD 112 million, the appeal remains severely underfunded.

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Press Release

23 December 2024

WHO Yemen: Yemen reports the highest burden of cholera globally

23 December 2024, Aden, Yemen Yemen bears the highest burden of cholera globally. The country has experienced persistent cholera transmission for many years, including the largest outbreak – between 2017 and 2020 – recorded in recent history.As of 1 December, Yemen had reported 249 900 suspected cases of cholera, with 861 associated deaths since the beginning of the year. This accounts for 35% of the global cholera burden and 18% of global reported mortality. The number of cases and deaths reported in November 2024 are 37% and 27% higher than the same month in 2023. The increase this year is largely due to updated data from Yemen, with adjustments made to account for more detailed information from all governorates.Geographic distribution of cholera cases in Yemen
Source: The Ministry of Public Health and Population and the Ministry of Health and Environment in Yemen, as of 24 November 2024.Disclaimer: the boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries."The outbreak of waterborne diseases like cholera and acute watery diarrhoea imposes an additional burden on an already stressed health system facing multiple disease outbreaks. WHO and humanitarian actors are strained in their efforts to address the increasing needs due to severe funding shortages,” said WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Yemen Dr Arturo Pesigan.“Lack of access to safe drinking water, poor community hygiene practices and limited access to timely treatment further hinder efforts to prevent and control the disease."Addressing cholera in Yemen requires urgent and comprehensive interventions, covering coordination, surveillance, laboratory capacity, case management, community engagement initiatives, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and oral cholera vaccinations. Timely and sufficient funding is necessary for these interventions. In addition, damaged public water and sanitation infrastructures require intensive rehabilitation to prevent a recurrence of the devastating scenario the country experienced between 2017 and 2020.Based on projected incidence carried out in September for the response period between October 2024 and March 2025, the cholera response in Yemen faces a funding gap of US$ 20 million. Between March and the end of November 2024, 47 diarrhoea treatment centres (DTCs) and 234 oral rehydration centres (ORCs) were closed due to lack of funding. Another 17 DTCs and 39 ORCs are set to be closed by the end of 2024 – that is, 84% of DTCs and 62% of ORCs – if additional funding is not provided to health partners.Since the emergence of the latest cholera outbreak in March 2024, WHO has worked closely with the Ministry of Public Health and Population and the Ministry of Health and Environment through the UN multisectoral response plan to manage the outbreak. WHO supported more than 25 000 rapid response team missions to investigate alerts and initiate control measures at the local level; provided laboratory reagents and supplies to support the confirmation of infections in 12 central public health laboratories; procured and distributed essential medicines, medical supplies, WASH and infection prevention and control supplies to health facilities, including the 18 DTCs receiving WHO support; trained over 800 health workers on case management, and supported the Ministry of Public Health and Population with an oral cholera vaccination campaign providing protection for 3.2 million people in 34 districts of 6 governorates in Yemen.Media contactsWHO Yemen CommunicationsEmail:  mediayemen@who.intAbout 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.

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Press Release

23 December 2024

WHO Yemen: Yemen reports the highest burden of cholera globally

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Press Release

20 December 2024

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General – Israeli airstrikes on Yemen

The Secretary-General is following with grave concern reports of airstrikes earlier today in and around the ports of Hudaydah, Salif and Ra’s Isa and on power stations in Sana’a in Yemen. He is also deeply concerned over the concurrent launch of ballistic missiles by the Houthis toward Israel that hit and badly damaged a school in central Israel.

Initial reports indicate civilian casualties, including nine reportedly killed and three injured, and considerable damage to the Red Sea ports that will lead to the immediate and significant reduction in port capacity.

Today’s airstrikes follow around a year of escalatory actions by the Houthis in the Red Sea and the region that threaten civilians, regional stability and freedom of maritime navigation.

The Secretary-General recalls that all parties are to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law and to respect and protect civilians as well as civilian infrastructure.

The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the risk of further escalation in the region and continues to urge all to exercise utmost restraint. These actions also undermine the mediation efforts led by Special Envoy Hans Grundberg to reach a negotiated political solution to the conflict in Yemen.

The Secretary-General also reiterates his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all the UN and other personnel arbitrarily detained by the Houthis.

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
New York, 19 December 2024

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12 December 2024

IOM Leads Efforts to Include Migrants in Yemen’s Cholera Vaccination Campaign

Yemen As Yemen grapples with an ongoing cholera outbreak, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is playing a pivotal role in supporting a nationwide oral cholera vaccination campaign launched on Saturday (07/12) by the Ministry of Public Health and Population in collaboration with United Nations agencies and humanitarian health partners.This weeklong initiative aims to vaccinate 3.8 million people across six governorates – Lahj, Taiz, Aden, Al-Dhale, Abyan, and Marib – providing lifesaving protection to some of the country’s most vulnerable populations.Yemen has been struggling with repeated cholera outbreaks since 2016, and while the situation in 2024 remains dire, the inclusion of migrants in the national response marks a significant step forward towards a more inclusive public health system for people on the move.“Despite limited funding and a strained health system, IOM continues to provide essential health services to Yemen’s most vulnerable, including migrants,” said Abdusattor Esoev, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Yemen. “We must ensure that every individual, regardless of their status, has access to the care they need. By including migrants in the vaccination campaign, we are protecting those at risk, preventing the spread of cholera, and saving lives.”As the crisis deepens, cholera continues to pose a significant public health threat, further exacerbated by ongoing conflict, economic instability, inadequate sanitation infrastructure, and climate-related challenges such as flooding and heavy rains, which contaminate water supplies and accelerate the spread of the disease. In 2024 alone, the outbreak has claimed hundreds of lives and resulted in 240,000 suspected cases.Despite ongoing funding challenges for humanitarian organizations, IOM continues to be one of the few partners responding to the cholera and acute watery diarrhea crisis, with a particular focus on migrants, who have often been excluded from national health efforts.Through its network of Migrant Response Points, mobile medical teams, and public health facilities, IOM is ensuring that migrants receive the cholera vaccine, with outreach teams deployed to key gathering points and conducting door-to-door visits to increase vaccination coverage. To ensure the success of the vaccination efforts and help combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, IOM has also mobilized migrant volunteers, community leaders, and community health volunteers.IOM’s response to the cholera outbreak includes delivering cholera vaccines, providing staff incentives, supplying essential medicines and medical supplies, training medical and non-medical staff, and supporting treatment and rehydration points across Yemen. The Organization has also provided direct support for the establishment and operation of Cholera Treatment Centers and Oral Rehydration Points in eight governorates, ensuring that affected populations have access to timely and effective treatment.The IOM-led outreach efforts are a crucial part of the broader national cholera response. IOM has been working closely with the Ministry of Public Health and Population, the Health and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) clusters, and other partners to provide comprehensive support to Yemen’s cholera response and help reduce the spread of this deadly disease.IOM’s cholera response in Yemen is supported by EU Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO).For more information, please contact:Monica Chiriac, Media and Communications Officer: mchiriac@iom.int
IOM Yemen’s Communications Team: iomyemenmediacomm@iom.int

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Press Release

12 December 2024

UNDP Yemen: Land degradation must be halted to advance human development in Yemen: New UNDP report

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: 11 December 2024 The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Yemen has released a new report detailing the impact of land degradation on human development in Yemen during the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).Yemen is one of the most vulnerable countries on earth to climate change and has the highest malnutrition rates in the world among women and children. The new report reveals that in a scenario where land degradation continues, by 2040, USD $90 billion will be lost in cumulative Gross Domestic Product and 2.6 million more people will suffer from undernutrition.However, it is forecast that with an end to conflict, improved governance, and targeted human development measures, Yemen can return to pre-conflict levels of human development in just ten years. Within this scenario, by 2060, 33 million people would be lifted out of poverty, 16 million people would no longer be undernourished, and more than USD $500 billion in additional cumulative economic output would be produced.“Through this new analysis, we see that climate change, healthy land, food security, and peace are all linked. Left alone, land degradation heightened by the conflict in Yemen will negatively affect agriculture and livelihoods, leading to mass hunger and undermining efforts for recovery. We must work together to restore Yemen’s agriculture potential and address human development deficits,” said Zena Ali Ahmad, UNDP Yemen Resident Representative. Commissioned by UNDP in 2024, Land Degradation and Human Development in Yemen is the product of a collaboration with the Frederick S. Pardee Center for International Futures and the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver.Press Contact
Miriam Pineau, Team Lead for Communications and Advocacy, UNDP Yemen | Miriam.Pineau@undp.orgAbout UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.
http://www.undp.org

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