The conflict in Yemen continues to deteriorate and impact all pockets of Yemeni society. The COVID-19 pandemic has also put a strain on a public infrastructure already damaged by war.

Our work in Yemen continues to put the priorities of Yemeni communities and civil society at the core. We worked with activist and volunteer groups to resolve long-standing problems and conflicts affecting day-to-day life, including ending a 30-year dispute between villages over water distribution that affected over 6,000 people. The action groups also led a monumental community initiative to rebuild the critical Hijat Al Abad road that links Taiz and Abyan.

In Taiz, Aden and Abyan, we supported partners and action groups to lead COVID-19 prevention and treatment initiatives, including rebuilding or renovating destroyed or disused health centres, and sourcing life-saving medical resources such as oxygen tanks and ventilators. The initiatives also worked to improve the conditions for women inmates in prisons in light of pandemic restrictions. As a result of their work, these issues were recognised by other stakeholders: the Islah party prepared a study into their conditions, and other organisations started working to improve conditions, undeterred by a missile strike which forced them to start again.

This year, our Civil Society Solidarity Fund entered its final phase. We worked with ten Yemeni organisations to complete a range of community projects, offering training and technical support to ensure long-term sustainability. The success of this project has inspired new and innovative partnerships with civil society organisations across the country.

We have continued our back-channel advocacy on the international stage, including recent efforts with the EU, US and UK ambassadors to Yemen to champion women activists and civil society voices in peace negotiations and diplomacy strategies. We also supported Yemeni-led advocacy on enhancing the role of young people in peace-making processes.