The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has worked directly with the government and people of Yemen for more than 50 years.
In spite of these efforts, however, conflict initiated in 2015 has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Nearly 80 per cent of Yemenis are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection, 10 million people are on the brink of famine, and over 3 million are currently displaced and unable to return to their homes.
Yemen now ranks 178th on the Human Development Index – in comparison to 153rd
prior to 2015.
In light of urgent and widespread need, UNDP has established sub-offices in Aden, Hodeidah and Mukalla. Engaging local capacities, systems and institutions, UNDP is standing alongside Yemen as it builds back better.
Their objective
UNDP acknowledges the desire by the Yemeni people to live lives that are peaceful, dignified, and not dependent on foreign assistance. In addition to responding to the most urgent humanitarian needs, UNDP projects are designed to restore livelihoods, strengthen resilience to future challenges, and lay the foundation for long-term
development.
Their work
UNDP supports the rebuilding of infrastructure and implementation of services to help ensure Yemenis may have access to clean water, receive adequate healthcare and go to school. Improved service delivery improves quality of life by reducing water-related diseases, increasing productivity and contributing to a stronger economy, as well as contributing to overall stability of the Yemeni people.
To strengthen economic resilience, UNDP creates income-generating opportunities that enables households to purchase basic necessities such as food and water, while also stimulating the economy. UNDP-supported training and skills development are
preparing vulnerable groups for employment; microfinance institutions are being
funded so that they can provide services to their client; and, the most severe
crisis-affected small businesses are being relieved of their debts.
As the demand for reliable energy sources continues to grow, UNDP offers communities solar solutions for improving livelihoods and services in priority sectors, including health, water and sanitation, education and agriculture. Solar energy is a sustainable, low-cost way to improve livelihoods. It also mitigates the negative
environmental impact of fuel-dependency and heavy use of wood, charcoal and
kerosene which are not sustainable and may have negative health-related
consequences when used indoors.
Recognizing that mines and other explosives are now found throughout Yemen – and the threat that they will pose for years to come – UNDP supports mapping and clearance of unexploded ordnance, risk awareness-raising, and socio-economic rehabilitationfor explosion survivors.
