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Yemen

Conflicts in Yemen have had devastating impacts on people, leading to one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. The country is one of the priority zones of the Humanitarian Aid of SDC whose activities are primarily focused on water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as the protection of civilians.

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Yemen, one of the poorest countries in the Middle East, has experienced many natural and manmade disasters and is currently also facing famine. Because of population growth, massive displacement and poor water management, water scarcity is becoming an increasingly serious problem. Lack of access to fresh water is the biggest cause of malnutrition, morbidity and mortality in rural areas. The conflict that started in March 2015 has exacerbated the situation, leaving more than 24 million people in need.

Switzerland’s humanitarian assistance in Yemen focuses primarily on water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as the protection of civilians. Support is also given in the field of food security.

Swiss Bilateral ODA

2017

2018

2019 *

mill. CHF

mill. CHF

mill. CHF
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)      
Bilateral development cooperation – – –
Humanitarian aid 14.00 15.12 12.40
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)      
Economic Cooperation and Development – – –
Human Security Division (HSD)      
Conflict transformation and human rights – – 0.50
Total SDC/SECO/HSD 14.00 15.12 12.90
Other Federal Offices      
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) 0.06 0.04 ..
Total other Federal Offices 0.06 0.04 –
Cantons and municipalities 0.23 .. ..
Total 14.29 15.52 12.90
Swiss government spending for development and cooperation for the current year and the past two years, broken down by institution.

Swiss government spending for development and cooperation for the current year and the past two years, broken down by institution.

*planned; total based on available data
 .. = figures not available | – = nil or amount < 5'000 CHF

Improved access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene

Yemen is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world. Poor management, protracted conflicts, massive displacements and insecurity have also contributed to water shortages. In the absence of state structures, arbitrary pumping of groundwater has increased and public water facilities have collapsed.

Switzerland’s humanitarian assistance not only addresses immediate needs but also works on the sustainable use of limited water resources. The SDC supports multilateral organisations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and international NGOs to improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities. If required, Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit specialists are deployed to the UN or the ICRC to transfer skills and knowhow on water management, prevention of water borne-diseases and sustainable use of water.

Water – a vital resource under threat

Protecting women, children and other vulnerable groups

People in Yemen suffer from the indiscriminate use of weapons that do not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Cluster munitions, drones and landmines have caused disproportionate loss of civilian life and property. Switzerland continues to call on all parties to comply with international humanitarian law.

The conflict has also aggravated existing gender inequalities in Yemen. Cases of sexual and gender-based violence are on the rise. Switzerland supports access to protection services for women, young people and internally displaced people, including shelter, counselling and health services.

Disaster risk reduction, emergency relief, reconstruction and protection

Approach and partners

Since the SDC’s Humanitarian Aid office in Sana’a was closed in December 2014 because of the country’s deteriorating security situation, its activities in Yemen have been coordinated from the head office in Bern. In addition, Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) specialists can be seconded to UN agencies or the ICRC if needed.

A significant proportion of SDC’s financial support also goes to multilateral partners such as the ICRC, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The priorities of Swiss Humanitarian Aid for the period 2017–2021 are in line with the objectives of the UN Humanitarian Response Plan for Yemen.

Current projects

Object 1 – 12 of 12

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Building Regional and National capacities for improved Migration Governance in the IGAD Region

01.01.2022 - 31.08.2027

The Horn of Africa is of high interest for Switzerland in terms of migration policy. Swiss support to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and its Member States will contribute to improve their migration governance capacities so as to enable the organisation to effectively implement regional, continental and global regulatory standards for the protection of refugees and vulnerable migrants in the region.

Horn of Africa: One Health Units for Humans, Environment, Animals and Livelihoods

01.07.2020 - 30.06.2032

The project aims at improving the well-being of targeted pastoral communities challenged with inadequate access to basic health/veterinary services and environmental conditions in Somalia, Ethiopia and Northern Kenya through integrated health service delivery for both pastoralists and their livestock. The project will contribute to stability and vulnerability’s reduction of citizens in the region, thereby reducing their displacement/migration which is in the interest of Switzerland and the international community.

Yemen Pledging Conference 2019

20.02.2019 - 30.04.2019

In support of the Humanitarian Response Plan and to reduce the suffering of the Yemeni population, Switzerland will organize a high-level pledging conference on 26 February 2019 together with Sweden and the United Nations for the third time. Since the escalation of the conflict in mid-March 2015, Yemen faced enormous levels of humanitarian needs stemming from years of poverty, intermittent conflict and weak rule of law. Entering the 5th year of war have exacerbated these chronic vulnerabilities, leaving more than 24 million people – more than 80% of the population - in need of humanitarian aid.

Horn of Africa: IFC - Private sector solutions for regufees and host communities

10.12.2018 - 09.07.2031

The Horn of Africa is fraught by political and economic fragilities and conflicts, leading to protracted displacement situations. They involve confinement in camps with few opportunities to establish sustainable livelihoods. Switzerland contributes to durable solutions for displacement-affected communities by promoting private sector development, leading to greater economic and employment opportunities and socio-economic integration in the region, which is in the Swiss interest.

Improving the Respect of Humanitarian Norms by Armed Actors in Yemen

01.11.2018 - 31.10.2020

The project aims to contribute to the protection of Yemeni civilian population from the effects of armed conflict. The awareness of Yemeni armed non-state actors’ (ANSA) on humanitarian norms, notably on landmines and explosive remnants of war, and children and armed conflict is raised which positively influences standards, policies and practices of armed groups.

Building Regional and National capacities for improved Migration Governance in the IGAD Region

01.10.2018 - 31.12.2021

The Horn of Africa is of high interest for Switzerland in terms of migration policy. Swiss support to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and its Member States will contribute to improve their capacities to manage migration. Migrants and refugees will be better protected in the region and the contribution of migration to development of the Horn of Africa will be supported, hence stability promoted. The Swiss expertise and engagement at the policy level will contribute to foster a dialogue on migration between Switzerland and the Horn of Africa.

UNFPA: My safety, our future: women and girl’s empowerment and protection from GBV in conflict-affected Yemen

15.07.2017 - 14.07.2019

The conflict in Yemen has increased the vulnerability of women and girls to abuse and exploitation. The coping mechanisms of individuals and communities have changed, the protection systems broken down and the available services have low quality. The project aims at scaling up UNFPA’s gender-based violence (GBV) responses and to empower the most vulnerable among the GBV survivors through multisector approach and specialised services. The project has a strong component to sensitize communities as well as the humanitarian community on GBV.

IGAD-FAO Partnership Programme (PP) on Building Resilience for (Agro-) Pastoralist Communities

01.06.2014 - 31.12.2020

IGAD and FAO will jointly contribute to build resilience of communities in the Horn of Africa’s cross-border areas by addressing marketing and trade, transboundary animal diseases and natural resources management. It will also contribute to strengthen the capacity of IGAD specialized agencies to lead the regional agenda for the improvement of cross-border pastoral livelihoods.

Institutional Strengthening of IGAD

31.05.2014 - 31.12.2020

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is a sub-regional organization in the Horn of Africa. In line with Switzerland’s decision to increase its engagement with IGAD, the proposed contribution aims at strengthening the organization institutionally based on its political legitimacy, thematic relevance and capacity to contribute to peace and development in one of the world’s most fragile regions.

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Last update 11.09.2019