Aden – Six years of conflict have destroyed vital infrastructure across Yemen, limiting communities’ access to essential services like health care, education and transportation. Under a project funded by the European Union, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) held community consultations to select public infrastructure for rehabilitation in Lahj governorate.

Holding consultations allows for an inclusive process that ensures support provided under this IOM-EU project is contextualized to the communities’ needs. The consultations involved 92 people in total representing four districts, including members of the displaced community, the local community and returnees, as well as representatives from the local authorities. The selection criteria sought to include a diverse group to ensure equal representation of community members.

“I am very happy and excited that one of the projects I suggested was selected. I am looking forward to seeing it being implemented and benefiting the community," said Yusra, a returnee from Tuban district. “When we heard that IOM will do projects in Lahj, we didn't think they will consult us but we are very glad they did," she added. "IOM listened to our ideas and suggestions — I am confident the projects identified will truly reflect our needs.”

The sessions were moderated by IOM and presented previous assessment findings on the basic services that communities need. The participants were also encouraged to discuss challenges specific to their area, and propose interventions based on community priorities and the needs of all groups, including the most vulnerable. At the end of the sessions, all participants feedback were incorporated into implementation plans that will guide IOM's activities in the governorate.

“Community consultations are a cornerstone of IOM's strategic approach in Yemen," said Firas Budeiri, head of transition and recovery programme. "In the short term, such consultative processes help local authorities in better understanding the needs of their constituents, including the most vulnerable. In the long term, inclusive decision-making is the starting point for sustainable recovery and development projects,” he added.

IOM has proceeded with implementation plans based on the outcome of the consultations and started site verifications for basic-community infrastructure rehabilitation projects. These consultations also guided IOM in finding projects that contribute to mitigating conflict and strengthening social cohesion, while still taking into account the specific needs of the targeted locations. Moreover, the consultations allowed IOM to make adjustments and add activities that will enable active community engagement and ownership in the projects. These projects also include capacity building and peace promoting initiatives in each of the target locations that aim to strengthen local capacities and enhance social cohesion.

The project, funded by European Union’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (EU-DEVCO), aims to improve access to basic services through community-based projects and empower the local communities and civil society in Ma’rib and Lahj governorates.

For more information, please contact:

Avand Hasan, Tel: +967 730 556 688, Email: avhasan@iom.int

Mennatallah Homaid, Tel: +967739888755, Email: mhomaid@iom.int