There are many international organizations working on the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, but UNDP has a unique role in the ongoing response. We tackle immediate and ongoing needs in Yemen during the crisis, while continuing to help people, communities and institutions prepare for a future when the crisis is over.

We respond to food insecurity by helping fishermen and farmers continue to work. We provide cash-for-work and employment for people who have no other income. We promote the dignity of Yemenis as they rebuild their communities brick-by-brick, road-by-road. We provide solar power to allow schools to continue, hospitals to provide vaccines and small businesses to run late into the night.

In 2019 and beyond, with our international and national implementing partners - such as the Social Fund for Development and the Public Works Project, UNDP continues to work with Yemen through one of their darkest hours.

Emergency employment

UNDP engages Yemenis around the country in emergency and temporary work opportunities in the construction and rehabilitation of small-scale infrastructure – such as wells, toilets, roads and schools – and in the delivery of social services like post-traumatic stress and nutrition counseling.

Our cash-for-work and wage employment benefits Yemenis right away by providing income and improving access to clean water, hospitals, schools and markets. Our emergency employment projects specifically target the most vulnerable – youth, women and the displaced – to help ensure the possibility of a stable income to sometimes otherwise forgotten or ignored populations.

Over 7.1 million employment work days created for crisis-affected people
Nearly 290,000 people from vulnerable households employed in cash-for-work programmes (indirectly benefiting over two million)

Small- and micro-businesses

UNDP support for small- and micro-businesses quickly boosts local markets and – in the longer term – generates income and employment opportunities. We offer training and start-up grants to help ensure businesses succeed.

Nine micro-finance institutions were given start-up grants
Over 7,000 small and micro-businesses received training and equipment

Infrastructure development

The prolonged conflict in Yemen has required considerable investment in repair, rehabilitation and construction of health facilities, schools, roads, electricity, water and other areas. Repairing and constructing these helps Yemenis get critical health and nutrition services. It enables children to continue to go to school, prevents the spread of diseases such as cholera, and helps protect against food insecurity.

Clean water and roads boost economies, resulting in increased productivity and sales for farmers, livestock producers and fishermen. Ensuring and improving these critical services reduces the need for humanitarian assistance.

Over 2.3 million people received water, education and improved roads
Nearly 2,500 classrooms refurbished
370 kilometres (approximately 230 miles) of roads improved
Over 4,000 hectares (approximately 10 acres) of farmland built or improved
Over 220,000 people benefited from nutrition services (nearly 114,000 women | over 88,000 children)