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Latest
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
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. , filtered_html
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. , filtered_html
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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 , filtered_html
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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. , filtered_html
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. , filtered_html
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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, filtered_html
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Story
20 February 2025
UNDP Yemen: Hussein turns his car maintenance skills into a thriving business in Hadramout, Yemen
In Al-Qatn District, Hadramaut Governorate, Yemen, Hussein had always been known for his skills in car maintenance. He grew up fixing old cars in his area, learning the trade from a very young age. But as time passed, cars became more complex, and Hussein realized that his knowledge of older models was no longer enough. He dreamed of becoming a master in modern car repair, but required the right tools and training. When Hussein learned about the Vocational and Business Skills Training and Support Project Phase II implemented the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Yemen, with local partner, the Small and Micro Enterprises Promotion Service (SMEPS) generously funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), he immediately enrolled. The training turned out to be everything he needed and more. Hussein learned not just about the mechanics of modern cars, but also about managing a business and building a brand. Following the vocational training, Hussein received an in-kind start-up grant. "The grant made me free and independent in my work and specialization in car maintenance," Hussein shares. Before this support, Hussein had always borrowed or rented repair equipment, which limited his ability to fully serve his customers. With the grant, Hussein purchased the tools and materials he needed, allowing him to offer more comprehensive services without the constraints of borrowing equipment. Hussein’s workshop quickly became a hub for car owners in the district. "The training was excellent," he shared. "I had experience with old cars, but with the training, I developed my skills and became more knowledgeable about repairing modern cars." His confidence grew as he worked on newer models, and his reputation as a skilled mechanic began to spread.With the right equipment at his disposal, Hussein was able to lower his repair prices. This not only attracted more customers but also built trust within the community. "Because I now have all the equipment needed, I have reduced my repair prices, which has brought in more customers and helped me build a good reputation," Hussein explains. His strategy was simple but effective: offer quality service at fair prices and let his work speak for itself.Now, Hussein is dreaming even bigger. "I’m thinking of opening a shop in the city center," he explains. "That way, I can attract even more customers and compete with the big shops." For Hussein, this is just the beginning. He is building a name for himself, not just in his district, but throughout Hadramout Governorate. Thanks to the training, the grant, and his hard work and determination, Hussein has gone from struggling to independent. He has turned his dream into a reality and knows that the future holds even more possibilities. ***The Vocational and Business Skills Training and Support Project (Phase II) aims to empower 1,533 young women and men in rural areas with vocational, technical, and business skills, and nurture an entrepreneurship culture to enhance their employability and productive engagement in economic and local recovery activities. This project is funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief). The project provides grants and technical training on a wide variety of in-demand professions across nine governorates and 24 districts: Abyan (Ahwar and Khanfir), Lahj (Al-Maqatera, Al-Qabaita, Radfan, Ras Al-Arah, Tuban), Aden (Daar Saad), Marib (Marib), Shabwah (Ar rawdah, Merkhah as sufla and Rudum), Hadramaut (Al-Mukalla, Al-Qatn, Ash shihr, Tareem), Al Maharah (Al-Ghaydah and Huswain), Ad dhale’e (Ad dhale'e and Al-Azariq), and Taiz (Al-Shamayatain Salah, Mawza and Al-Waziya). The project builds participants’ capacities in the areas of food processing, textiles and handloom, and vocational skills such as car mechanics, carpentry, cell phone repairs, home appliance maintenance, veterinary services, solar energy systems installation and maintenance. , filtered_html
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Story
18 February 2025
UNICEF Yemen: Hope on Wheels - UNICEF Mobile Teams Are Saving Lives in Yemen
“Mothers and children are the foundation of any society. When they are healthy, the whole country is healthy,” says Khawla Ahmed Abdullah Al-Hilmani, a 29-year-old midwife who works in one of the mobile teams deployed in Yemen with the support of UNICEF.Malnutrition and disease outbreaks, civilian casualties, lack or inaccessibility to healthcare and other urgent services, and other life-threatening risks to the most vulnerable,—all those are the evidence of a full-scale humanitarian crisis. And the people of Yemen have been suffering from it for a decade now.UNICEF and its donors such as the Swiss National Committee for UNICEF have already successfully supported implemented many interventions in Yemen, helping people in the war-torn country get access to health and nutrition services and safe water and education. Today, let’s talk about UNICEF’s mobile teams—a vital service platform that brings essential health and nutrition services directly to families in remote.Swiss National Committee Support for UNICEF, enabled the deployment of several mobile teams in several governorates, including Hajjah, Hodeidah, Taiz, Dhamar and Al Dhale`a, reaching the most vulnerable beneficiaries including children under five and pregnant lactating women.Jamila Ali Al-Moshki, a midwife from Dhamar explains why the deployment of mobile teams is so important for the local population: “Before this mobile team, we had no appropriate place to accept patients, screen and treat them from malnutrition and other minor illness or vaccinate children. I hope this project continues, as it helps so many people here.”In Hajjah governorate, for example, these teams save the lives of malnourished children, pregnant women, and young mothers. The Mobile teams are deployed to work in places where fixed health centers are inaccessible or non-functional.Every day these mobile teams reach thousands of families, doing medical check-ups, nutritional screening and vaccinations and providing nutritional support and consultations. What most of us are lucky to see as essential services would be inaccessible for millions of people in Yemen without the work of such mobile teams and their devoted personnel. Dr. Ali Abdullah Aziz Al-Khader, Director of the Health Office in Dhamar District explains why the mobile team in Dhamar is extremely important: “Dhamar is located between two governorates, so a team here is easily accessible for many people, who otherwise would not be able to get the medical help they need,” he says. “Yes, we face many difficulties, but we never stop working because for many people this team is the only chance for treatment and recovery.”Despite all the challenges—logistical hurdles, ongoing conflict, and the constant need for medical supplies to add qualified personnel—they keep on working with the help of organizations like UNICEF and their donors, saving one life after another.For many families, the mobile teams are more than just vehicles, medical supplies, and people who explain how to take care of their babies. They are a beacon of hope.“My son is three years old and suffers from malnutrition,” says Ishraq Mohammed Al-Masnai, a young mother from Dhamar. “I am grateful to the doctors in this team. Thanks to them, my son and I receive all the necessary treatment.”In Dhamar, 4-year-old Adham receives treatment at a mobile team operating under the supervision of the Health and Environment Office. He is just one of the hundreds of children who receive help and life-saving care from the mobile team in the area. Khawla Ahmed Abdullah Al-Hilmani, a midwife, says: “We help pregnant women and young mothers, educate them about nutrition and reproductive health, and provide antenatal and post-natal services. However, sometimes people do not fully understand the idea of vaccination and regular check-ups” – she adds.A 2-year-old Ibtisam, who suffers from malnutrition and receives treatment from the same team, made remarkable progress, thanks to the dedication and care of these selfless professionals. She and other young children who suffer from malnutrition go through regular check-ups and receive special nutritional therapeutic food referred to as Plumpy Nut as well as some systematic treatments and micronutrient supplementation, distributed at the mobile team, and their parents get qualified advice about proper care and nutrition for their children, vaccinations, and other medical services they may need.Despite impressive achievements and support from local and international partners, these initiatives face many challenges. Insecurity, fuel shortages, unsustainable funding, and disrupted supply chains make it hard to predict how and whether the project will develop, reaching more families in need.While the mobile teams have dramatically increased healthcare access in Yemen, still not all regions receive the comprehensive care they need due to funding. However, UNICEF, along with its partners, remains optimistic and dedicated to their goals, expanding these services further and building on the success already seen in governorates like Al Hodeida, Hajjah and Raymah.These mobile teams are not just about delivering health and nutrition services; they represent a powerful commitment to reach every child, every family, and every community in need, saving the future of Yemen one life at a time. , filtered_html
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Story
17 February 2025
IOM Yemen: Dignity for All - Addressing the Urgent Sanitation Needs of Displaced Families in Yemen
Marib, Yemen In Al Jufainah, Yemen’s largest displacement camp, more than 15,000 families live in makeshift shelters, struggling with the daily reality of limited access to water and sanitation. For many, a private latrine is a luxury they cannot afford. According to the 2025 Humanitarian Needs Overview, 15.2 million people across Yemen lack adequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services – nearly half of the country’s population.For Ali, a father of five, displacement has been a constant struggle. He and his family have endured three waves of upheaval, fleeing the relentless conflict in their hometown of Al Hodeidah before finally finding refuge in Al Jufainah. Unable to afford rent, Ali was given permission to set up a tent on a small patch of land. This fragile shelter became his bedroom, kitchen, and everything in between.For Ali and many other displaced families, making ends meet has been an uphill battle. The small income he earns is barely enough to feed his children, leaving nothing for other necessities, let alone a latrine. Without one of their own, his family had no choice but to share their neighbour’s.“We often hesitated to use our neighbour’s latrine at night, afraid of waking them, so we waited until morning.” – Ali, Displaced Father The Cost of DignityFor twelve-year-old Mohammed, watching his father struggle to secure a latrine was unbearable. The weight of their situation pressed on him so much that he decided to put his education on hold, choosing instead to work alongside his father in the hopes of easing the burden. After months of hard labour, he finally managed to buy the basic materials for a makeshift latrine. However, it was nothing more than a fragile structure of sticks and blankets, offering little privacy or protection.For the rest of the family, the struggle for privacy extended far beyond the latrine itself. Without proper sanitation, women and girls had to adjust their daily routines, often waiting until nightfall just to bathe. Samira explains how even the simplest tasks became a challenge.“We felt too exposed washing during the day,” she confesses. “We were always afraid someone might see us.” With Ali away for most of the day, Samira took on the responsibility of caring for their three daughters. Each time they needed the toilet, she had to accompany them, leaving little time for anything else. Since it's uncommon for women to leave their shelter at night, Ali stayed on guard instead.The darkness only added to their worries, as lizards, scorpions, and other creatures commonly found in Ma’rib’s arid desert lurked near their shelter. “I can’t forget the tears my little daughter shed when a dog attacked her in the latrine,” Ali says. Beyond the need for latrines, the lack of a proper sanitation system remained a major concern. Without effective drainage networks, the community had no choice but to dig open pits at random. These makeshift cesspools, covered only with wood and stones, posed serious hazards, especially for children and vehicles.“I never used to worry when my daughters played outside, but after a child lost their life falling into one of the pits, I became afraid to let them out of my sight.” – Samira, Displaced Mother From Hardship to ReliefTo address these pressing issues, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with support from King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), has installed more than 300 latrines for the most vulnerable displaced families. Each latrine is equipped with a lockable door to ensure privacy, particularly important for those living near public roads. A covered roof provides protection and comfort, while a ventilation pipe improves air circulation.IOM WASH Engineer Dheyab Qaid highlights the critical role of durable latrines and proper sanitation in displacement sites, where the lack of facilities contributes to the spread of diseases such as cholera and acute watery diarrhea.“The introduction of durable latrines and sanitation facilities has significantly improved hygiene in the community,” explains Dheyab. “Without them, women and children, in particular, struggled to maintain even the most basic hygiene practices.”Along with privacy concerns, the lack of water made sanitation even more challenging. Since families use water for cleansing after using the latrine, they previously had to fetch it each time. Now, a newly installed water tank is directly connected to the facilities, making access easier and improving hygiene. A Step Toward SafetyWith KSrelief’s support, IOM also constructed 200 new cesspits and covered 400 old ones. This not only reduces the risk of disease outbreaks but also restores a sense of dignity and safety for displaced families. Parents no longer worry as much when their children play nearby and families no longer have to spend what little income they have on medicine to treat preventable illnesses.“Now I can play with the other children without being scared,” says five-year-old Hasna, Ali’s daughter. “Since the pits were covered, I don’t even get bitten by mosquitoes anymore.”Beyond infrastructure, IOM teams conduct regular awareness sessions to engage the community, ensuring families understand how to use and maintain these facilities properly. For many, these improvements have brought a sense of security and stability.“For me, having a latrine feels like finally having a proper home,” says Ali. “I no longer have to worry every moment about my family’s safety.” , filtered_html
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Story
10 February 2025
ILO Yemen: Hilal: A journey from vulnerability to empowerment
One young man’s life is transformed through a vocational apprenticeship project by the ILO and the Social Development Fund, funded by the EU and Sweden, to empower youth amid the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
SANAA (ILO News) Deep in the mountains of Taiz Governorate in central Yemen, 22-year-old Hilal Ghaleb led a simple life marked by hardship. Although he was an ambitious young man, his dreams were thwarted by chronic conflict and poverty.Hilal belongs to the “Muhamasheen” marginalized ethnic group in Yemen. He lives in a family of 10 in a small village in the Al-Ma'afir District of Taiz. Both his parents are disabled, and his family had no steady income, leaving them struggling with food insecurity and lacking even the most basic necessities.Hilal consistently topped his class at school, but the burden of supporting his family forced him to abandon his educational aspirations and drop out from school prematurely. He worked on a farm for three years and then bought a motorbike to work in passenger transportation for another four years, until his health deteriorated due to the strenuous work. For several months, he was unemployed and had no means of supporting his siblings.For a time, Hilal's future seemed bleak. Yet, a glimmer of hope appeared when he heard of the Vocational Apprenticeship, a vocational training programme aimed at empowering youth economically, implemented by the Social Fund for Development in partnership with the ILO.As soon as Hilal heard about the programme, he applied. Upon acceptance into the programme after passing the registration process and interview, he stated: "I didn't expect to be accepted because of my vulnerability as a member of the Muhamasheen group, but I did it. I chose the profession of repairing household appliances because there is a great demand for it from the villagers. I realized this demand during my previous work as a motorbike delivery driver."
Discovering a passionThe Vocational Apprenticeship programme provided foundational skills, technical skills and apprenticeship in a workshop with a master craftsman for two months. During this time, Hilal developed a deep passion for this work. He said he felt immense joy learning new skills, and enjoyed the satisfaction of fixing things and bringing them back to life.In the midst of his training, Hilal heard that the programme would provide a toolkit to anyone who opened their own workshop. Hilal and his family had no money to start a workshop, but he had a wealth of passion and dreams that made him think differently. Using pieces of used plastic sheets, large bags, and dry tree trunks, he managed to build a simple workshop next to his house. He had no tools, but the toolkit he received from the programme was enough to start his business.It didn't take long before people in the village started coming to Hilal's workshop to repair their electrical appliances instead of traveling to the city. News of his workshop and the completion of his training quickly spread in his village and the neighbouring village, and customers began to flock to him with their malfunctioning devices.He said: "I am now a home appliance maintenance technician, and I market my work on social media, through direct communication, and by meeting with people in the area. I now dream of expanding my workshop."Through his passion and hard work, Hilal was able to start generating a steady income for his family and use his earnings to buy some of their most basic needs, especially food.
More than just an incomeHilal's project not only started to improve his financial situation but also had a positive impact on the community. He became a role model for young people in his village after becoming the first to establish a workshop there. He inspired many of them with his story of perseverance in pursuing learning opportunities, establishing his small workshop, and connecting the two to create a better future for himself and his family through hard work.Vocational training and supporting it with a series of links to enable trainees to start their work has been an effective tool of the Vocational Apprenticeship project to empower youth in combating the effects of the major humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Through this initiative, several young trainees have been able to achieve a decent life for their families in some of the country’s poorest areas, with the support of their communities and families.The ILO Vocational Apprenticeship programme was implemented by the ILO under the framework of the Supporting Resilient Livelihoods, Food Security and Climate Adaptation in Yemen Joint Programme (ERRY III), which is co-funded by the European Union and the Swedish government.
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SANAA (ILO News) Deep in the mountains of Taiz Governorate in central Yemen, 22-year-old Hilal Ghaleb led a simple life marked by hardship. Although he was an ambitious young man, his dreams were thwarted by chronic conflict and poverty.Hilal belongs to the “Muhamasheen” marginalized ethnic group in Yemen. He lives in a family of 10 in a small village in the Al-Ma'afir District of Taiz. Both his parents are disabled, and his family had no steady income, leaving them struggling with food insecurity and lacking even the most basic necessities.Hilal consistently topped his class at school, but the burden of supporting his family forced him to abandon his educational aspirations and drop out from school prematurely. He worked on a farm for three years and then bought a motorbike to work in passenger transportation for another four years, until his health deteriorated due to the strenuous work. For several months, he was unemployed and had no means of supporting his siblings.For a time, Hilal's future seemed bleak. Yet, a glimmer of hope appeared when he heard of the Vocational Apprenticeship, a vocational training programme aimed at empowering youth economically, implemented by the Social Fund for Development in partnership with the ILO.As soon as Hilal heard about the programme, he applied. Upon acceptance into the programme after passing the registration process and interview, he stated: "I didn't expect to be accepted because of my vulnerability as a member of the Muhamasheen group, but I did it. I chose the profession of repairing household appliances because there is a great demand for it from the villagers. I realized this demand during my previous work as a motorbike delivery driver."
Discovering a passionThe Vocational Apprenticeship programme provided foundational skills, technical skills and apprenticeship in a workshop with a master craftsman for two months. During this time, Hilal developed a deep passion for this work. He said he felt immense joy learning new skills, and enjoyed the satisfaction of fixing things and bringing them back to life.In the midst of his training, Hilal heard that the programme would provide a toolkit to anyone who opened their own workshop. Hilal and his family had no money to start a workshop, but he had a wealth of passion and dreams that made him think differently. Using pieces of used plastic sheets, large bags, and dry tree trunks, he managed to build a simple workshop next to his house. He had no tools, but the toolkit he received from the programme was enough to start his business.It didn't take long before people in the village started coming to Hilal's workshop to repair their electrical appliances instead of traveling to the city. News of his workshop and the completion of his training quickly spread in his village and the neighbouring village, and customers began to flock to him with their malfunctioning devices.He said: "I am now a home appliance maintenance technician, and I market my work on social media, through direct communication, and by meeting with people in the area. I now dream of expanding my workshop."Through his passion and hard work, Hilal was able to start generating a steady income for his family and use his earnings to buy some of their most basic needs, especially food.
More than just an incomeHilal's project not only started to improve his financial situation but also had a positive impact on the community. He became a role model for young people in his village after becoming the first to establish a workshop there. He inspired many of them with his story of perseverance in pursuing learning opportunities, establishing his small workshop, and connecting the two to create a better future for himself and his family through hard work.Vocational training and supporting it with a series of links to enable trainees to start their work has been an effective tool of the Vocational Apprenticeship project to empower youth in combating the effects of the major humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Through this initiative, several young trainees have been able to achieve a decent life for their families in some of the country’s poorest areas, with the support of their communities and families.The ILO Vocational Apprenticeship programme was implemented by the ILO under the framework of the Supporting Resilient Livelihoods, Food Security and Climate Adaptation in Yemen Joint Programme (ERRY III), which is co-funded by the European Union and the Swedish government.
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Story
07 February 2025
UNFPA Yemen: The Silent scars: Breaking the chains of FGM in Yemen
Hadramout, Yemen "I saw my delicate newborn baby, just days old, slowly dying before my eyes due to a brutal circumcision," Um Hanin recounts, her voice heavy with grief. "I do not want any mother in this world to experience the same pain. Om Hanin's tragic story is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM), a deeply rooted practice in Yemen. Despite its harmful physical and psychological effects, FGM persists due to social norms and the absence of legal prohibitions.But change is happeningIn a dimly lit room in Hadhramout, Om Amina, nine months pregnant with her first daughter, sat alone, lost in thought. The whispers of her childhood echoed in her mind—stories of girls crying in pain, their innocence stolen by a blade. She knew that soon, her daughter would be born into the same world, but this time, the cycle had to breaOm Amina had grown up witnessing female genital mutilation (FGM) being practiced hearing stories of girls enduring its dangers and pain. However, her perspective changed when she received an awareness session at home from the Child Ambassadors Network. These networks established under the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on FGM advocates for the prevention of FGM through collaborations with grassroots networks. She learned about the myths, dangers, and consequences of FGM on a girl’s psychological and physical well-being. It was a turning point for her, making her question the deeply entrenched traditions that had persisted for generations."This is my daughter, and I am responsible for her health and happiness," Om Amina declared, defying family and community pressure. "No one has the right to harm her."Her courage inspired other pregnant women in her neighbourhood, who began to question FGM and seek guidance on protecting their daughters. Awareness campaigns continued to change minds and offer support to mothers willing to break the cycle.The cost of harmful practicesKhadija, A teenage mother living in a remote area of Hadhramout, experienced the devastating consequences of FGM firsthand. At 16, she gave birth to her first daughter, Fatima, who was subjected to FGM at just one week old.“My aunt and husband took my daughter to the midwife,” Khadija recalls. Hours later, tragedy struck. “My husband was in a state of panic, screaming: ‘My daughter is bleeding badly!’Despite their desperate efforts, Fatima did not survive. “I lost my little girl,” Khadija says, grief-stricken. “I was robbed of the most precious thing.”Determined to prevent other mother from experiencing such loss, Khadija joined FGM prevention efforts. “I decided to be a voice for the truth,” She declares. She now shares her story, hoping to protect future generations.A matriarch’s transformationOm Aya, a mother of two, spent months trying to persuade her aunt to abandon FGM. Her aunt, a revered figure in their community, had long been one of the strongest advocates for the practice.No one could believe that she would change her stance and transform into one of the most important supporters of the 'Shamakhat Network'—a network of female volunteers in Al Mukalla, focused on raising awareness among residents of the areas in Yemen where FGM is most prevalent.”"My aunt was the one who pushed me to circumcise one of my daughters, who miraculously survived," Om Aya shares. "She was the last person anyone would believe could be convinced to abandon FGM."But her aunt's stance changed dramatically. "I cannot believe the great sin I have been committing," she says, expressing deep remorse. "I only ask God to forgive me."She has since discarded her tools and refuses to participate in any further circumcisions. "I can no longer bear to see those tools," she says. "I will not allow any woman to use them."Her transformation is a testament to the power of education and advocacy in changing deeply ingrained beliefs and practices.Hope for the futureFGM remains a harsh reality in Yemen, with 19 per cent of women aged having undergone the procedure.Yet, change is happening. Networks like the Shamakhat Network and the Children’s Honour Ambassadors as part of the UNFPA- UNICEF Joint Programme, are working tirelessly to educate communities. Former practitioners are abandoning their tools, and women like Wedad, who is herself a survivor, are fighting to protect girls. “I have not missed any opportunity—whether at women's gatherings, meetings, markets or even on the streets— to advocate for the cause,” Wedad shares. “I stop women on the streets, distribute leaflets, and encourage them to join our efforts.”A Call to ActionThe battle against FGM in Yemen is far from over, but every voice, every story, every act of defiance brings us closer to ending this harmful practice. Education, advocacy, and legal reforms are crucial. We must support the networks working on the ground, amplify the voices of survivors, and push for policy changes that protect the most vulnerable.No girl should suffer in silence. No mother should have to endure the pain of losing a child to this outdated and harmful tradition. It is time to break the cycle. It is time to listen to the ‘silent cries.’ It is time to act to protect the rights and well-being of Yemen’s daughters. Their future depends on it.If you believe in a world free where girls are from FGM, support the tireless efforts of local and international organisations working to protect Yemen’s daughters. Together, we can create a future where every girl can reach her full potential and live a life free from violence and harm., filtered_html
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Press Release
08 February 2025
Towards Lasting Solutions for Yemen's Displacement Crisis, UN and the Humanitarian Development Program Forge Strategic Partnership
Virtual – Sana'a-Aden – 9 February 2025 The United Nations in Yemen and the Humanitarian Development Program (HDP) - an initiative of the Hayel Saeed Anam Charity Foundation (HSACF) - today signed a Declaration of Intent to begin a strategic partnership to address the challenges faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) and support early recovery initiatives for IDPs and other vulnerable communities across Yemen.This partnership lays the groundwork for an integrated approach, emphasizing advocacy, resource mobilization, data exchange, and fit-for-purpose interventions that align with national and international frameworks, including the Humanitarian Response Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.Addressing the signing ceremony, Julien Harneis, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen said: " In Yemen, over twenty five percent of the population in need - 4.8 million - are internally displaced persons, with the vast majority being women and children. They endure unimaginable conditions, struggling every day to secure basic needs. This strategic partnership is a crucial step towards finding durable solutions for internal displacement and addressing Yemen's most pressing challenges. By harnessing the potential of Yemen’s private sector and leveraging HDP’s deep local engagement and UN technical expertise, we can create community-driven, innovative solutions that support internally displaced and marginalized Yemenis, towards a resilient and inclusive future."Mohamed Abdulwasa Hayel Saeed, Managing Director of Hayel Saeed Anam Charity Foundation, echoed the shared commitment to Yemen's recovery: "At HDP, we believe in the strength of collective action to address the needs of our people. This partnership with the UN represents a significant step toward realizing a vision of sustainable development and dignity for all Yemenis, particularly those who have suffered displacement and systemic vulnerabilities. We look forward to leveraging our networks to drive meaningful impact."The partnership between the UN and HDP will focus on promoting livelihoods, economic empowerment, and social stability, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and the marginalized (Muhamasheen) communities. Through this collaboration, the two organizations will work closely with Yemeni governmental entities to ensure alignment with national and local priorities.This partnership symbolizes a shared commitment to fostering resilience and restoring the fabric of Yemeni society through coordinated humanitarian and development efforts. For media inquiries, please contact:United Nations Resident Coordinator Office
Mohammed Al-Zuhairiunrcoyemen@un.org 009671448605Humanitarian Development Program (HDP)
Moneer Hasan Saif ALariqim.saif@hdp-ye.org 00967771403020 , filtered_html
Mohammed Al-Zuhairiunrcoyemen@un.org 009671448605Humanitarian Development Program (HDP)
Moneer Hasan Saif ALariqim.saif@hdp-ye.org 00967771403020 , filtered_html
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Press Release
05 February 2025
IOM Provides Critical Winter Support to Displaced Families in Yemen
Ma’rib, Yemen – As temperatures plummet and seasonal floods wreak havoc on already fragile shelters, displaced families in Yemen are facing an increasingly dire and life-threatening situation. In response, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is ramping up efforts to deliver urgent support, ensuring families have the essentials they need to withstand the harsh weather.“This effort goes beyond distributing aid,” said Abdusattor Esoev, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Yemen. “It’s about ensuring displaced families can maintain their dignity and safety through the cold months. By providing timely, life-saving support, we’re helping families who have already endured immense hardship and now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives in the most challenging of conditions.”The 2025 Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan reveals that nearly 7.5 million people urgently need shelter and non-food assistance, with more than half of them being displaced families. Almost 2 million displaced Yemenis are living across over 2,000 displacement sites, many of which are situated in high-risk areas such as Al Hodeidah, Al Jawf, Hajjah, Ma’rib, and Ta’iz governorates. The majority of these families reside in makeshift shelters that are poorly equipped to withstand the cold, seasonal flooding, and other challenges. Many displaced families are forced to live in overcrowded sites with inadequate infrastructure, where access to clean water, sanitation, and basic services remains limited. These conditions are compounded by the extreme weather, making the provision of essential items even more critical. On top of the extreme cold, seasonal floods have further devastated the sites, washing away what little shelter and belongings they had left. As temperatures have sharply dropped, many families have found themselves unprepared for the freezing nights, compounding their already dire circumstances. Without proper shelter and basic necessities, families face serious health risks and heightened vulnerability, particularly women and children.In response, IOM has launched an urgent intervention, distributing 1,000 Non-Food Items (NFIs) across more than 30 displacement sites in Ma’rib, the West Coast, and South Ta’iz. These kits, which include mattresses, blankets, sleeping mats, kitchen sets, and water buckets, are designed to provide displaced families with the basic necessities needed to survive the extreme winter conditions. To further support those in need, 1,130 families received cash-for-NFIs, allowing them to purchase essential items such as blankets, clothing, and heating equipment to combat the severe cold. The cash assistance also helped families acquire kitchen items to restore basic living conditions. This EU Humanitarian Aid (ECHO)-funded support gives households the flexibility to prioritize their most urgent needs, strengthening protection, fostering resilience, and preserving their dignity.Beyond providing emergency relief, IOM remains dedicated to advocating for sustained support to help displaced families recover and regain stability. The Organization’s ongoing efforts, in collaboration with both local and international partners, aim to ensure that families not only survive but also have the resources they need to rebuild their lives.For more information, please contact:Monica Chiriac, Media and Communications Officer: mchiriac@iom.int
IOM Yemen’s Communications Team: iomyemenmediacomm@iom.int, filtered_html
IOM Yemen’s Communications Team: iomyemenmediacomm@iom.int, filtered_html
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Press Release
24 January 2025
UN Yemen Statement on the Detention of Additional Personnel by De Facto Authorities
Friday, 24 January - Yesterday, the de facto authorities in Sana’a detained additional UN personnel working in areas under their control. To ensure the security and safety of all its staff, the United Nations has suspended all official movements into and within areas under the de facto authorities' control. This measure will remain in place until further notice.UN officials in Yemen are actively engaging with senior representatives of the de facto authorities, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN personnel and partners, filtered_html
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Press Release
20 January 2025
IOM Inaugurates Key Infrastructure in Hadramout to Empower Yemeni Farmers
Tarim, Yemen Marking a significant milestone in Yemen’s efforts to address water-related conflicts and environmental challenges, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with local authorities and with funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has inaugurated two key infrastructure interventions in Tarim district of Hadramout Governorate.The interventions include the construction of a surface bridge integrated with a gabion weir in the Dammon area and protective gabion walls in Al-Sabir. These infrastructure projects are designed to mitigate flood risks, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote peace and harmony among local communities.“This initiative goes beyond constructing infrastructure; it is about delivering lasting solutions,” said Abdusattor Esoev, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Yemen. “By integrating technical solutions with capacity building, we aim to address urgent needs while enhancing governance around natural resource management. Working closely with local authorities and community leaders, we are developing sustainable water management strategies to ensure these interventions are both effective and locally owned.”Hadramout, like much of Yemen, faces severe water scarcity exacerbated by climate change, soil degradation, and inconsistent rainfall patterns. The cyclical nature of flooding and drought in the region has devastated farmland, eroded soil, and forced many to abandon agricultural livelihoods, leading to heightened tensions over limited resources.The “Water for Peace” project, launched in late 2023 to address critical challenges in Yemen’s Tarim and Seiyun districts, aims to mitigate the damaging effects of water scarcity and environmental degradation. By strengthening natural resource management and fostering community resilience, the initiative is helping build a more stable and sustainable future for Hadramout Governorate.The surface bridge and gabion weir in Dammon offer practical solutions to local challenges. The gabion weir slows floodwaters, reducing erosion and protecting farmland, while a nearby soil pond collects water to recharge groundwater and support agriculture. Together, these structures enable safe crossings during floods, ensuring uninterrupted access to schools, markets, and essential services. In the past, floods frequently isolated communities for days, severely disrupting daily life.In nearby Al-Sabir, similar interventions are making a significant impact. The 40-meter-long gabion walls not only shield farms from destructive floodwaters but also help distribute water more evenly across agricultural lands. Beyond protecting farmland, these walls promote equitable water distribution, reducing disputes among farmers and fostering stronger cooperation within the community.Farmers are expected to see significant reductions in crop losses as the gabion weir traps debris such as silt and stones, protecting farmlands from damage. The trapped silt also enhances soil fertility, enabling farmers to diversify their crops and boost agricultural yields. The community has expressed great satisfaction with the project, praising its potential to improve livelihoods. Given this positive reception, the initiative is being considered a pilot for replication in other areas.With the support of KOICA, the “Water for Peace” project continues to serve as a model for integrated, community-driven approaches to natural resource management. By combining infrastructure development with empowerment initiatives, IOM is helping communities in Hadramout navigate the challenges of climate change and build pathways to peace.For more information, please contact:Monica Chiriac, Media and Communications Officer: mchiriac@iom.int
IOM Yemen’s Communications Team: iomyemenmediacomm@iom.int, filtered_html
IOM Yemen’s Communications Team: iomyemenmediacomm@iom.int, filtered_html
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Press Release
16 January 2025
As the crisis in Yemen deepens, aid agencies appeal for $2.5 billion for the humanitarian response in 2025
15 January 2025 The United Nations and partners launched today the 2025 Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, seeking $2.47 billion to provide urgent humanitarian and protection assistance to millions of people in need.A decade of crisis has profoundly impacted Yemeni communities, who continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. More than half of the country’s population – 19.5 million people – needs humanitarian assistance and protection services, with Yemen’s most vulnerable and marginalized groups, including women and girls, at highest risk.Over the last year, the humanitarian situation has remained the same or even worsened across large parts of the country. Economic decline, climate shocks and regional escalation are driving humanitarian needs and fueling protection risks. Almost half of the country’s population faces acute food insecurity, more than 13 million people do not have sufficient access to clean water and 40 per cent of health facilities are partially or not functioning.Under the 2025 appeal, humanitarians aim to deliver life-saving assistance to 10.5 million of the most vulnerable people in need. “These efforts will be guided by the voices of communities, and ensure that we deliver cost-effective and quality assistance to crisis-affected people wherever they are,” Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen, Julien Harneis, said.Despite significant challenges, 197 aid organizations reached more than 8 million people with life-saving assistance last year – two-thirds of which were local Yemeni organizations. This was made possible by the sustained support of donors, who contributed more than $1.4 billion to the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan.“Humanitarian action has been effective in alleviating the worst impacts of this crisis,” stressed the Humanitarian Coordinator. “But cannot do this alone. Much more is needed to reduce needs, achieve peace, revive the economy and build the resilience of communities through sustainable development activities,” he added.###The full document can be found here.For more information, please contact: Ibrahim Haddad, Head of Information, Analysis and Communications, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (haddad17@un.org ), filtered_html
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