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

10 November 2024

UNDP Yemen: Rainwater tanks bring relief to farmers in Dhamar, Yemen

Yemen's agriculture sector, a lifeline for millions and a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, has been severely affected by extreme climate change. Continued conflict has further exacerbated the situation, contributing to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises and widespread food insecurity.To support communities in Yemen, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is collaborating with the Social Fund for Development (SFD) and the Public Works Project (PWP) to implement the Food Security Response and Resilience Project (FSRRP) with funding and support from the World Bank. In an effort to address water scarcity caused by climate change, two rainwater harvesting tanks were constructed in in Bait Al-Samhi Village, Dhamar Governorate, improving access to water for community members. Each rainwater tank has the capacity to hold 940 cubic metres of water. Increased agricultural productionFouad, a farmer in Bait Al-Samhi Village, is confident that the project will significantly increase production in the coming season. He explains, "We rely on rainfall to irrigate our crops. During the winter, our lands become dry, and agriculture ceases due to the lack of irrigation water. Before the project, the situation was very difficult. We had no source to irrigate our crops after the rains stopped, which led to crop failure and financial losses. Now, after the project, the situation has changed. I can farm even after the rainy season.” A sustainable water sourceRainwater harvesting tanks enhance food security for families by supporting farmers to reclaim degraded agricultural lands, and improve irrigation systems. Mutee, the coordinator of the local community committee, says, "Climate change has affected agricultural lands in the region. Due to water scarcity, many people have abandoned farming." Mutee explains that the project was implemented to ensure continued farming activities of the local population, which is their primary source of income.He adds, "The project has positively impacted community members by expanding their cultivated lands, increasing crop production, and improving their living conditions." Empowering women farmersSaeeda, a mother of five, was strongly affected by land degradation due to climate change. She says, "I grow corn and vegetables during the rainy season, but in winter, farming stops due to water scarcity." She explains how the rainwater harvesting tanks will enable her to continue farming after the rainy season. "Now, I have been able to cultivate two plots of land and will increase the cultivated area with the irrigation from the tanks. Things have changed, and I feel happy when I see my farm green and the crops thriving without damage." Saeeda hopes her land will remain green enough to cultivate several times in a single season. Creating local job opportunitiesThe project has created job opportunities for local community members in Bait Al-Samhi, providing income and helping them to acquire new skills through a cash-for-work program. Bader, a father of six and a community member who worked on the rainwater harvesting tanks project, says, “The project provided me with a temporary job for 45 days, which helped me support my family and meet their basic needs while serving the community.”Enhancing food security"In addition to improving agricultural production in the long term, the rainwater harvesting tanks have created job opportunities to help people financially," says Abdullah, an engineer and project officer with UNDP’s local partner, SFD. The project has increased local farming areas and improved food security by providing approximately 124 farmers with access to alternative water sources. Funded and supported by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), the Yemen Food Security Response and Resilience Project (FSRRP) is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the World Food Programme (WFP). UNDP’s component of FSRRP improves agricultural production infrastructure and builds climate resilience and is implemented in partnership with the Social Fund for Development (SFD), and the Public Works Project (PWP).

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Story

07 November 2024

UNHCR Yemen: Khadijah’s Journey to Recovery with Support from KS Relief and UNHCR

Aden, Yemen For over a decade, Yemen has faced a protracted crisis that has severely impacted its health sector, leaving only about 55% of health facilities operational. In this challenging environment, 21-year-old Aminah Nasser, a mother of three, resides with her family in Al-Basateen, Aden. Her husband works as a daily wage laborer, a job that barely sustains their family. Life took a tragic turn for Aminah when her youngest daughter, Khadijah, was diagnosed with brain atrophy and increased neural activity. This condition left Khadijah unable to walk or move independently, making daily life a challenge. In their search for treatment, Aminah and her family faced numerous obstacles. Initially, they traveled a significant distance to a health center in Al Mansura for therapy sessions — a journey that was both physically and financially exhausting. Hope arrived when they discovered the UNHCR-supported Al-Basateen Health Center, funded through a partnership with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KS Relief). Conveniently located within a 10-minute walk from their home, the center provided essential services free of charge, offering the accessibility they needed for Khadijah’s therapy. Their time at the Al-Basateen Health Center has been transformative for Khadijah. Through consistent physical therapy sessions tailored to her needs, her motor skills have strengthened, and her psychological well-being has improved. The center also provides her essential medication, previously a major financial burden for the family.Reflecting on the support her family has received, Aminah notes,“The Al-Basateen Health Center has changed everything for us. This support is essential, not only for Khadijah’s recovery but also for so many families in need of accessible, free healthcare.” Aminah’s story is one of many where the partnership between KS Relief and UNHCR has delivered life-saving assistance to Yemen’s most vulnerable families. This collaboration supports UNHCR’s efforts to extend critical protection and health services to Yemenis, refugees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the country’s prolonged crisis. Through services like free physical therapy, psychological support, and medication for persons with specific needs, this partnership is helping thousands of families regain stability.With continued support from KS Relief and UNHCR, families like Aminah’s are finding the resources they need to envision a better future for their children.

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05 November 2024

IOM Yemen: The Fight for Water in Yemen’s Drying Land

By: Moayad Zaghdani | Media and Communication ConsultantWest Coast, Yemen In the arid landscape of Yemen’s West Coast, water is often a distant dream. For many years, families have endured long walks under the scorching sun in search of clean water. “We walk for hours, just for a few jerrycans of water,” shares Hassan, a father of four who arrived in Yakhtol five years ago. “Some days, we come back empty-handed. It feels like the water is slipping further out of reach.”The war in Yemen has forced over 4.5 million people from their homes, and many have sought refuge in rural villages like Yakhtol. As more displaced families arrive, often with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, the strain on already scarce resources grows. The expanding population is now forced to compete for access to water, shelter, and basic services, further exacerbating the challenges faced by both displaced individuals and local residents. The declining soil fertility, increasing salinization of water sources, and rising sea levels have severely threatened agriculture along Yemen’s coast, particularly in Yakhtol. A once-modest fishing and farming community now has to battle for its very survival.Yakhtol’s residents, who once relied on small-scale agriculture to sustain their families, now find it nearly impossible to grow crops or feed their livestock. The climate has become increasingly hostile to traditional farming methods. Small-scale fishing, which had also been a lifeline for the local economy, is in decline. As crops fail and fish stocks dwindle, the population is left with fewer options. Mohammed Ali, another resident of Yakhtol, knows this all too well. “If there is no water, we cannot live – water is life,” he says. Each day, he wakes before dawn to search for water, a task that consumes his mornings and drains his energy. His daily trips to communal water points are fraught with uncertainty. “How long will I have to wait? Will I find enough water to support my family? Will I find any at all?” he asks.This struggle for water is compounded by years of conflict that have ravaged the infrastructure once vital to Yakhtol’s survival. The water system, originally built to serve 200 homes, is now stretched beyond its limits, trying to meet the needs of over 1,500 families, including hundreds of displaced people who have sought refuge from violence in frontline areas.To address these challenges, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has stepped in to restore the water infrastructure. Through the rehabilitation of pipelines and the construction of new water points, IOM’s intervention helps alleviate the burden on families like Hassan’s and mitigate conflict over resources. The project also addresses health risks by ensuring that both host communities and displaced families have reliable access to clean water. As part of its efforts in Yakhtol, IOM has also worked on expanding the water-distribution network. This includes installing larger pipes and constructing additional water-storage facilities, ensuring that the limited supply is efficiently distributed across the community. Solar-powered water-pumping systems have been introduced, providing a sustainable energy source that reduces reliance on expensive and often unavailable fuel.Furthermore, IOM is working to help communities better withstand extreme weather events like floods. This involves upgrading the water system to improve its flood resilience, carefully planning to avoid areas that are prone to flooding and creating protective measures such as gabion walls. Additionally, automatic chlorinators will be installed to disinfect water.The expansion of water infrastructure in Yakhtol brings hope to families like Mohammed’s, who have endured years of hardship. “I used to take water for granted,” Mohammed recalls. “Now, even a single drop feels like a precious gift.” While progress has been made in Yakhtol, similar struggles continue in other parts of the West Coast. In a displacement camp in Hays, Sami, a father of twelve, shares a familiar story of hardship. “Most of the people who go to fetch water here are children; they don’t go to school because they have to help,” he explains. The lack of access to clean water has deprived his children of education, forcing them into a cycle of daily household chores.In Hays, IOM is working to address the severe water shortage by constructing a new well that will provide clean and reliable water to thousands of displaced families and host communities. This well is a critical lifeline in a community where the daily search for water has long consumed families’ time and energy. By providing a consistent water source, IOM’s intervention not only eases the physical burden on families but also reduces health risks linked to contaminated water. Despite these efforts, the challenges remain daunting. Climate change and extreme weather events across Yemen continue to amplify the country’s water crisis, adding to the pressures of conflict and displacement. Despite the daunting challenges, Sami remains optimistic: “We support each other through the hardships,” he says.As communities continue to grapple with these overlapping crises, the work of organizations like IOM offers a glimmer of hope. Through the rehabilitation of water systems and the provision of essential aid, IOM is helping to restore dignity and stability to families pushed to the brink by conflict and climate change.Families like Sami’s and Hassan’s understand that while clean water is essential, it is only part of what is needed to rebuild their lives. “We need more than just water,” Hassan says. “We need our children to be able to go to school. We need to feel safe.”IOM’s rehabilitation of the water supply in Yakhtol is funded by USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance, while the Hays project is supported by the German Government through the KfW Development Bank.

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03 November 2024

IOM Yemen: The Toll of Displacement - Leveraging the Rapid Response Mechanism for Relief

West Coast, YemenIn the beautiful backdrop of Mawza’s mountains, Safia has managed to build a new life for herself after years of struggle and displacement. Originally from a village nearby, she was forced to flee with her family six years along due to the conflict. Since her husband’s passing, Safia has taken on the responsibility of raising her six children alone, determined to create a better future for them.When the family first arrived in Mawza’, survival was a struggle and school felt like a distant luxury. They used to borrow a donkey so that her 14-year-old daughter Malak could fetch water and help with errands, which left her with no time to attend school. However, things took a turn for the better when Safia received her first cash installment from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).Eager to give her children the education they deserved, she rushed to register them at the local school. Now, Malak walks to school each day with pride and excitement for the day ahead. With the remaining money, Safia was able to cover basic household costs and her medical expenses. Rapid Response MechanismThe family has also received Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) kits, which have been a lifeline for newly displaced families. This initiative, spearheaded by the United Nations, co-led by IOM and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), delivers swift, life-saving support to those affected by armed conflict and extreme weather events. RRM kits contain essential items such as high-energy biscuits, dates, basic hygiene kits, female dignity kits, water ceramic filters, and blankets, addressing the immediate needs of displaced families for up to seven days. Following this initial support, the RRM offers multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA) within 14 to 21 days, enabling families to meet their ongoing needs until longer-term solutions are found. Safia is thankful for the three cash installments she has received, which have enabled her to support not only her own children but also her extended household of 23, including several grandchildren. The mechanism operates through a structured process: supplies are procured, stored, and pre-positioned across the country and RRM teams mobilize within 72 hours of displacement alerts. This rapid response ensures timely distribution of aid and cash assistance to the most vulnerable families. In 2023 alone, IOM reached nearly 11,000 households with emergency one-off MPCA, highlighting the significant impact of this programme. The RRM’s comprehensive approach addresses not only immediate survival needs but also supports families in regaining their dignity and stability during crises. Like any mother, Safia has high hopes for her children. Her older son makes charcoal, providing another source of income, which she hopes will contribute to achieving her dream of opening a small shop for her 14-year-old son. He has struggled to move properly since breaking his leg in a car accident four years ago. Safia is hopeful that he can undergo surgery in a few years to improve his mobility. The mother also envisions a bright future for her daughter Malak, who aspires to become a teacher. When asked about her favourite subject, Malak confidently replies, “I like them all.” “I want to provide my children with every opportunity to succeed.” – Safia, Internally Displaced New ArrivalsA few hundred meters from Safia’s house lives Al-Haji, who recently arrived in the area after fleeing Al Ghalil frontlines with his wife and eight children. They came with nothing, escaping in the middle of the night. A total of 12 other families, amounting to 71 people, made the journey, leading their camel and four donkeys. They were devastated when one of their camels was killed by a rocket along the way.“Maybe we could have arrived faster, but we had many children with us,” he recounts.With children on their shoulders and many barefoot, they finally made it to Mawza', leaving behind a vacant village. Al-Haji chose this area because he has relatives nearby and knows the landowner, which gave them hope that they could stay without issues. Upon arrival, they improvised a few makeshift shelters, but life has been far from bearable as they struggled to shield their children from the scorching heat. Supporting NewcomersSaleh Al-Rawdhi, Executive Unit Manager of Mawza’, has witnessed many displaced families arriving in the area. Having been displaced himself since 2018, he notes an increase in newcomers each month. In response to this growing need, his team gathers information and works on referrals, collaborating with local organizations to support the newly displaced as quickly as possible. With the first cash installment Al-Haji’s extended family received, he immediately decided to build a fire pit. With the next two installments, he purchased two sheep and charcoal for the family. The group also received RRM kits, which offered essential support as they prayed for more assistance to arrive. Nowadays, Al-Haji earns a modest income by selling goat cheese, which barely supports his family. He often looks back on the better days behind him when he used to be a farmer. However, Al-Haji is not new to displacement. In 2018, floods forced his family to leave their home and seek shelter elsewhere. He finds it difficult to imagine that they won’t have to move again. “Every time I settle, I fear it won’t last,” he confesses. “It feels like we are always starting over,” he says. Text & Photos: Monica Chiriac｜IOM Yemen FootnotesIOM’s RRM and MPCA assistance in Yemen is funded by USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), EU Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), and Qatar Charity.Mawza', Yemen

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Story

15 October 2024

FAO Yemen: Empowering Yemen's Livestock Breeders: FAO's Vital Support Restores Livelihoods

Raqiba Abdullah Al-Akhali, a 35-year-old resident of Al-Akahela, a sub-district of Al Maqatirah in Lahj governorate, has faced numerous challenges due to the conflict in Yemen. After being displaced, Raqiba's husband suffered a disability and developed a chronic illness, leaving her as the sole breadwinner for their family, which includes him and their daughter. “I primarily rely on daily wages for income, in addition to breeding and selling livestock to provide our basic needs,” Raqiba says.Overcoming challengesRaqiba encountered numerous challenges like her husband's chronic illness that rendered him unable to assist in rearing and raising livestock. This led to decreased production, both in terms of milk and fattening, due to the expensive and low-quality feed used. Additionally, Raqiba lacked knowledge of modern livestock feeding practices, compounding her challenges.“The high price of livestock feed and nutritional supplements posed a problem further compounded by my husband's declining health and inability to take our livestock to the pasture daily. This unfortunate situation didn’t not only exacerbated the deterioration of our living conditions but also added to the difficulties we were already facing,” she clarifies. Raqiba relies on selling sheep to generate the income she uses to purchase essential food items such as oil, sugar, and wheat.“Before FAO’s intervention, I faced severe challenges in livestock feeding, primarily due to the exorbitant cost of feed, persistent drought, and a significant decline in animal production,” says Raqiba.Raqiba is one of the livestock breeders who received support from FAO; she was supported with concentrated feed and mineral blocks to enhance livestock productivity, particularly milk production and fattening. She explains, "The feed and mineral blocks provided by FAO significantly improved the overall health of my livestock and helped me fatten them. As a result, their production has increased, allowing me to sell them at better prices." Raqiba highlights the positive impact of the support, stating, "I am now able to sell one sheep for one hundred thousand Yemeni riyals ($160), whereas before, I could only sell them for sixty thousand Yemeni riyals ($100)." Enhancing livelihoods The Emergency Aid Project to Improve Agricultural Livelihoods for the Affected Population aims at enhancing livestock production and productivity to uplift the living conditions of the targeted households. "After the intervention, our life has significantly improved. Not only did the milk production from our sheep increase, but the overall nutrition for our family has also improved. Besides, the income generated from selling sheep enables me to fulfill my family’s essentials." she explains.The support she received motivated her to work harder to increase the production of her livestock, enabling her to fulfill her family's essential needs and fostering aspirations to expand her project in the future."I am happy to see how my living conditions have improved, bringing positive changes in my life," Raqiba says. Raqiba thanks FAO for their support, which has increased milk production and improved livestock health, fattening, and milk production as well as her family's living conditions.Enhancing livelihoods through such targeted interventions that aim to develop livestock production is crucial; their ultimate goal is reducing poverty and hunger, particularly in rural areas. In Yemen, FAO actively supports farmers who have been impacted by the crisis, by promoting and implementing productive initiatives that pave the way for a future free from hunger.With funding and support from King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is implementing the Emergency Aid Project to Improve Agricultural Livelihoods for the Affected Population in Yemen. #InternationalDayofRuralWomen

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Press Release

14 November 2024

IOM Provides Shelter for Displaced Families in Yemen as Crises Mount

Ma’rib, Yemen Today, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and local authorities conducted a joint field visit in Ma’rib to recognize the achievements of IOM’s transitional shelter programme, which has provided thousands of families with essential assistance. As displacement numbers rise and climate challenges persist, IOM calls for continued support to meet the ongoing need for secure shelter solutions.Home to nearly one million displaced individuals, Ma’rib has become a haven for families uprooted by violence. However, the governorate now faces new challenges as flooding and severe storms have left many families exposed and without sufficient protection. Over 73 displacement sites have suffered severe damage from extreme weather events, leaving countless people without safe shelter and increasing the risk of disease and further displacement.“Families in Ma’rib face challenges beyond what anyone should have to endure – war, the loss of homes, and now, the added toll of extreme weather,” said Abdusattor Esoev, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Yemen. “These shelters give families a chance to regain stability, providing a solid foundation from which they can rebuild with dignity. Continued support is crucial to reach those still vulnerable to these devastating conditions.”Since 2021, IOM has built over 5,000 transitional shelters in Ma’rib and continues to address the urgent shelter needs of the governorate’s displaced population. Built with locally sourced materials to withstand Yemen’s harsh weather, these shelters can be adapted to serve various purposes, such as living spaces, workshops, or kitchens. This adaptability addresses immediate shelter needs while also providing displaced families with a sense of normalcy and stability in an otherwise uncertain environment. In close collaboration with local authorities and community members, IOM ensures that these shelters are designed to align with the residents’ needs, cultural norms, and preferences.In addition to transitional shelters, IOM distributes emergency shelter kits, family tents, and essential non-food items to displaced populations and host communities. This support addresses critical needs, including protection from the elements and access to essential household supplies, providing families with the resources they need to navigate displacement and hardship.IOM’s shelter interventions have been supported by several key partners throughout the years, with current funding provided by the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) that has enabled IOM to assist over 1,800 families with transitional shelter solutions to date. With new waves of displacement and rising needs, funding gaps persist. IOM is urgently calling on the international community to bolster this support, allowing the programme to expand and reach thousands more who remain vulnerable and exposed.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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