New York City, 24 November 2021 (TDI): The UN Development Programme Report mentioned that war-torn Yemen is one of the poorest countries. However, recovery is possible if the conflict ends now.
War-torn Yemen
It’s been seven years of war in Yemen. Consequently, this war has generated the worst humanitarian along with the development crisis. Yemen is on the brink of famine. Nevertheless, extreme poverty could be eradicated if the fighting ceases.
UNDP Report suggest a hopeful message that all is not lost.
Future
The report suggested that there is hope and that lasting peace along with sustainable development can be achieved for the people. It also underscored that the brutal war in Yemen has caused the country to miss out on $126 billion of potential economic growth.
The UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner mentioned that the UN will continue to work with the Yemeni communities for a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous future for all Yemenis.
The UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA estimated almost 80% of the population relies on aid along with protection assistance. Moreover 14.3 million are in acute need.
The report suggested that the inclusive recovery processes can reverse deep trends of impoverishment. Moreover, it focuses on the process that crosses all sectors of Yemeni society and puts people at the center.
.@UNDP’s @khalida_bouzar provides closing thoughts today: We MUST involve women in recovery! Humanitarian aid is not sufficient, development must be simultaneous. Role of local communities and CSOs are vital in building reliance and providing a voice for peace. #YemenCantWait pic.twitter.com/anldnCjrwh
— UNDP Yemen (@UNDPYemen) November 23, 2021
Women Empowerment
The UNDP Representative in Yemen, Auke Lootsma, stressed the importance of addressing the “deep development deficit” such as gender inequality.
“I think it’s fair to say that whatever gender index you look at, Yemen is always at the bottom,” he told UN News. Moreover, he mentioned there is a need to empower women. Furthermore, they can contribute to the recovery and reconstruction of Yemen.
The investment needs to focus on areas such as agriculture along with inclusive governance, and women empowerment.
UN humanitarians are extremely concerned about the safety of civilians in Yemen’s northern Marib governorate. It is home to one million displaced people.
The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, warned that the frontlines of conflict shift closer to heavily populated areas. Lives are in danger in the oil-rich region.
UNHCR Spokesperson, Shabia Mantoo mentioned that access to humanitarian aid is also becoming harder. Moreover, she mentioned that UNHCR teams report heavy fighting in the mountains surrounding the city. Furthermore, the sounds of explosions and planes can be heard all day.
This is a warning sign as the further escalation of conflict will increase the vulnerability of the people. Besides, UNHCR is calling for an immediate ceasefire in Yemen.
UNDP report outlined the potential peace dividends. Further, it provided grim future trajectories. For instance, the report suggested that 1.3 million lives will be lost if the war continues through 2030. There will be deterioration of health, education, and basic services.
UNDP said there is no time to waste, and plans to support recovery must be continuously developed even as the fighting rages on.
){kind=link}