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Yemen + 1 more

Yemen: UNHCR Operational Update, 6 December 2019

Attachments

IDP Response

A pilot project to install 30 Refugee Housing Units (RHUs) for returnee families living in the hot, semi-arid regions of Taizz, Al Dhale'e and Ibb governorates, has been completed. The units were designed in collaboration between UNHCR, the social enterprise Better Shelter and the IKEA Foundation. Through project implementation, obtaining land rights before beginning installation of RHUs was critical. UNHCR noted that the shelters fared better against adverse weather if enhanced with concrete slabs as a base, as such, these recommendations were shared with the Shelter/NFI Cluster for their incorporation into future shelter designs.

Following the 27 November airstrikes on a public market in Monabbih district, Sa’ada governorate, the Protection Cluster Coordinator followed-up with partner DRC to assist survivors with emergency medical support. Ten persons were killed in the artillery shell attack, and a further 27 injured. Most of the casualties are believed to be Ethiopian. This follows a similar incident one week prior at the same location, which killed an additional ten persons.

UNHCR Field Office Sana’a began implementing community support projects in Amran governorate, targeting both IDPs and the local host communities. A water tank is being installed in Amran city to serve some 5,000 persons. An X-ray machine will also be donated to the Kharif public hospital, which will increase its capacity to benefit a further 7,000 patients from both communities.

During the reporting period, UNHCR through partner YWU implemented multiple livelihood support projects for IDPs in Taizz and Ibb governorates. The project will provide sewing machines, ice-cream makers and motorbikes to families to support their income-generating activities. Fighting and displacement have continued along various frontlines in both governorates, leading to high rates of displacement throughout November. Lack of access and clearance delays by authorities had previously hampered timely interventions. UNHCR collaborates closely with partners to implement community-based projects and livelihood activities, with the goal of improving social cohesion and security while concurrently restoring public services and encouraging economic recovery.

Refugee Response

On 28 November, UNHCR teamed-up with Intersos for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign, under the theme “End GBV in the World of Work” in Aden city, Kharaz camp in Lahj governorate, and Mukalla city, Hadramaut governorate. Members of the community participated in a round table that discussed in-house solutions for the challenges they face at work, while children enjoyed recreational activities such as games, storytelling and singing. The campaign will run until 10 December.

UNHCR provided a one-off cash assistance to 3,324 refugee families living in Aden and Mukalla city, whose livelihoods were impacted since hostilities broke out in early August in the south.
Families with valid ID cards received some USD 220 each to cover their most essential needs.