The Minister of State discusses emergency interventions and cooperation on displacement and migration with the UN Development Program.

Minister Discusses Humanitarian Response and Migration Issues with UNDP

On Wednesday, the Minister of State for Displacement and Migration Affairs, Walid Al-Ibara, met with Nadia Al-Awalima, the Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Yemen, and Abdul Moneim Mustafa, the Director of the UNDP Office in Aden. The discussions focused on enhancing humanitarian responses and emergency interventions, as well as collaborating to develop the institutional framework for displacement and migration issues.

Urgent Humanitarian Needs Addressed

The meeting addressed the rapid interventions that the UNDP can provide to meet urgent humanitarian needs. Minister Al-Ibara emphasized the significant role of the UNDP and its developmental and humanitarian interventions at various levels. He stressed the necessity of strengthening coordination and cooperation during the current phase, appreciating Al-Awalima’s efforts in mobilizing funding, particularly through meetings with donors in Amman, Jordan, last September.

Update on Displacement Situations

Minister Al-Ibara reviewed the latest developments regarding emergency displacement caused by the escalation of Houthi militia activities in the rural districts of Taiz Governorate and along the western coast. He warned of worsening humanitarian needs due to the high population density in Taiz city and the challenging conditions faced by its residents.

Government’s Dual Approach to Displacement and Emergencies

The minister highlighted the government’s approach to managing displacement and emergency situations through two parallel paths. The first path focuses on immediate responses to displacement and emergencies, while the second emphasizes institutional development by enhancing legislative frameworks, strategies, and national plans related to displacement and irregular migration.

Building Institutional Capacity

Minister Al-Ibara underscored the importance of leveraging the UNDP’s expertise to support the government’s efforts in building a comprehensive institutional system. He noted that collaboration in governance and institutional development for displacement and migration issues ranks among the ministry’s priorities in the upcoming phase. This collaboration aims to enhance the capacity of government institutions to manage these issues and respond to related challenges.

Continued Support from UNDP

In response, Al-Awalima reaffirmed the UNDP’s commitment to supporting the Yemeni government and its people. She announced that the UNDP has allocated one million dollars to implement assistance programs in the governorates of Aden, Taiz, and Lahij.

Emphasis on Institutionalizing Humanitarian Response

Al-Awalima praised the government’s direction toward developing mechanisms for addressing displacement, humanitarian emergencies, and irregular migration. She emphasized the importance of institutionalizing these issues and working collaboratively with the Yemeni government to strengthen relevant institutional frameworks and governance.

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