Aden – In Yemen, seven years of war destroyed vital services and heightened local conflict over resources. Rising numbers of displaced people settling in low-resourced areas have exacerbated tensions.

Only half of Yemen’s health facilities are functional. The education system is on the verge of collapse and water and sanitation infrastructure have been hard hit, leaving more than 17 million people with limited access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.

With the support of the European Union (EU), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) rehabilitated 32 public facilities including schools, health facilities, irrigation and water and sanitation infrastructure across the country.

In Ma’rib and Lahj, two governorates that host hundreds of thousands of people fleeing conflict, 650,000 people have now access to improved healthcare, education, water and sanitation.

The restoration of the Ma’rib Dam gates and irrigation channels are now providing farmers with much-needed water revitalizing the agri-businesses.

“Restoring public services damaged by the crisis is providing a new lifeline to communities who have lost access to vital services,” said Christa Rottensteiner, IOM Yemen Chief of Mission.

“Children are now able to go back to school, families can send loved ones for health treatment, community members have access to new job opportunities and farmers can better irrigate their crops.”

The EU-supported project also contributed to peacebuilding and social cohesion by establishing six community conflict resolution committees to address and solve conflicts over scarce resources.

“These interventions have made a sustainable impact on communities by enhancing community resilience, and empowering women,” she added.

IOM directly involved the communities throughout the implementation of the project. This ensured their needs were addressed and created space for two-way dialogue.

IOM as well provided training and equipment to authorities from over 25 government offices enhancing their capacity and ensuring greater accountability to Yemeni communities.

For more information, please contact IOM Yemen’s Communications Team at iomyemenmediacomm@iom.int