Context

The war in Yemen has continued amidst an ever-worsening humanitarian crisis. The Netherlands scaled up its diplomatic and financial efforts in support of an inclusive peace process and the delivery of much-needed assistance. Whilst Yemen is still sheltering refugees from the Horn of Africa, many Yemenis and Somalis have started to flee to other countries. Conflict has also drawn in a wide array of actors seeking to take advantage of the chaos, including violent terrorist organisations with international ambitions. Yemen is located on a major trade route of great strategic and economic importance to the Netherlands. The war in Yemen has consequences that go far beyond its borders, affecting the stability of the Arab region and, consequently, also the stability of Europe.

Featured project

Humanitarian donor mission to Yemen

The Netherlands organised a joint humanitarian donor mission to Yemen during October 2016, to view realities on the ground, both of an immediate and longer-term nature. International and national organisations are doing an admirable job of delivering aid in a unpredictable and complex security context. The visit allowed for more in-depth discussions with men, women and children affected by the conflict and produced numerous recommendations to improve aid to Yemen. A vacuum has been felt and expressed by several humanitarian organisations, reflecting the continued absence of donors in Yemen and their lack of direct in-country engagement with various power brokers. A representative of the national NGOs considered this a first opportunity to actually meet with donor representatives in Yemen, saying, “We often hear from our international partners that the donors want or don't want this or that, but we have never actually seen one”.

Key results of the embassy in Yemen

Security & Rule of Law

Indicator Score Progress

Brokered ceasefire

Not applicable Progress, not on track
Not applicable
Interpretation of the Embassy results in the context

A few UN-brokered ceasefires have been declared, providing men, women and children in Yemen a much-needed respite from the increased violence. Regrettably, the fighting has continued and the UN-sponsored negotiations did not lead to an interim settlement in 2016.

Square metres of land cleared of Explosive Remnants of War

3.1 million On track
3,072,181
Interpretation of the Embassy results in the context

The results of the clearing operations to which the embassy contributed are 3,072,181 m2 of land cleared, 262,810 Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) cleared and 180,414 ERWs destroyed. This was achieved in nine governorates with 1,375,590 Yemeni men, women and children benefiting. Mine-risk education activities reached 305,031 people, including 14,153 Internally Displaced People.

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Indicator Score Progress

Access to family planning

Not applicable No data available
Not applicable
Interpretation of the Embassy results in the context

Numerous health facilities have been damaged or destroyed. It is therefore all the more important that organisations like Marie Stopes International receive our support in running health facilities that provide sexual and reproductive health services. UNFPA provided life-saving reproductive health supplies.

Reducing barriers for sexual and reproductive health and rights

Not applicable No data available
Not applicable
Interpretation of the Embassy results in the context

Young people face barriers to reproductive health information and care. The provision of reliable and factual information on contraception and sex to youths continued through the toll-free helpline 'Shababline' (Youth line). It used social media to promote itself and is receiving approximately 5,000 calls per month.

Water

Indicator Score Progress

Access to safe drinking water

Not applicable No data available
Not applicable
Interpretation of the Embassy results in the context

In October 2016, a cholera outbreak was declared. Implementing partners not only managed to provide life-saving water and sanitation assistance to the most vulnerable, reducing morbidity and mortality, but also restored or maintained water and sanitation systems to improve public health and resilience.

Access to adequate sanitation

Not applicable No data available
Not applicable
Interpretation of the Embassy results in the context

The water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) situation in Yemen has deteriorated quickly and poor environments and practices have been making people increasingly ill. Implementing partners are responding to the crisis and addressing the lack of sanitation that continues to threaten the health and lives of ordinary Yemenis.

Women's Rights & Gender Equality

Indicator Score Progress

Number of demonstrable contributions to women’s rights and gender equality by public, civic and private sector institutions

2 On track
2
Interpretation of the Embassy results in the context

The Netherlands is working to promote the involvement of women from different political backgrounds in the peace process. A group of prominent Yemeni women attended negotiations in May 2016 in Kuwait, where they made recommendations to the UN Envoy and the group of 18 countries involved in the peace process.

Number of civil society organisations (CSOs) with stronger capacity to advance women’s rights and gender equality

12 On track
12
Interpretation of the Embassy results in the context

The Netherlands continues to encourage the participation of Yemeni women in building and making peace. UN Women organised training in strategic thinking and building alliances, and the Yemeni Women's Pact for Peace and Security expanded from 47 to 60 women leaders.

Background & future

Interpretation of the results in context

Since the conflict started, no new data has become available to allow for meaningful reflection on progress, based on solid data. Moreover, Dutch efforts have been adjusted in the light of changing circumstances in Yemen. The progress recorded and results reported above are based on the programmes carried out by implementing partners and reflect progress made towards set programme goals. Despite immense challenges, implementing partners managed to deliver results and, for example, meet the urgent reproductive health needs of women and girls caught up in conflict, increase access to safe drinking water and respond to cholera outbreaks.

Glimpse into the future

The people of Yemen need peace. The Netherlands will increase its support to help make and build peace at all levels: from the level of communities to that of peace talks. The role of women in peace and security will be strengthened. In line with the results achieved in 2016, a mixed portfolio will be continued, including humanitarian assistance and the provision of aid to facilitate the future transition from conflict to peace. Support will focus on assisting Yemen to increase its security, deal with the legacy of violence, build confidence through accessible and effective justice and security institutions, and improve the delivery of justice and security. The physical and economic impact of mines and explosive remnants of war on communities also needs to be reduced.

Financial summary

Total expenditure Embassy € 11,629,865

Expenditure 2016 per theme

Expenditure 2016 per channel

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands | Directorate-General for International Cooperation
P.O. Box 20061 | 2500 EB The Hague | www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/ontwikkelingssamenwerking
© Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands | September 2017