· Limited access continues to prevent gathering of sufficient data on the specific needs of the conflict-affected populations.
· In Arhab District, Sana'a Governorate, heavy shelling and air strikes earlier in July resulted in an estimated 9,500 new IDPs as people were fleeing their homes in search of safety.
· In Northern Yemen, the issue of child soldiers continues to cause concern as children are being recruited by Al-Houthis to engage in conflict with opposing tribal groups such as Al-Islah militants.
This report is produced by OCHA in collaboration with the Humanitarian Country Team and humanitarian partners. It was issued by OCHA Yemen country office. It covers the period from 22 July 2011 to 2 August 2011.
Full Report
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YemenTimes: The latest report by Amnesty International on Yemen painted a gloomy picture of the issue of human rights in the country throughout 2010 and into 2011. It reported that human rights were subordinated to security challenges posed by al-Qa'ida as well as by armed conflict in the northern Sa'dah province and protests in the south. Thousands of people were detained. Most were released quickly, but many were held for prolonged periods. Government repression increased in the face of continuing protests in the south against perceived discrimination by the northern-based government; security forces used excessive force against some demonstrations and several people were killed in targeted attacks. The media faced repressive laws and practices; several journalists were prisoners of conscience. Women continued to face discrimination and violence.
Mass protests were held across the country against the worsening economic situation and substantial rises in fuel, electricity, water and food prices.
A presidential amnesty announced on 21 May appeared to apply to all political prisoners, including journalists, but the government did not give details about those it covered or the timeframe for releases. Later that month, 117 people detained on suspicion of taking part in the Sa'dah conflict and the protests in the south were released under the amnesty, as were four journalists. However, hundreds of other political prisoners remained held at the end of 2010.
Tens of people suspected of links to Al-Qaeda or armed Islamist groups were killed by the security forces, some in circumstances suggesting that no attempt was made to arrest them. No judicial investigations were known to have been held to establish whether the use of lethal force by the security forces was justified and lawful. Scores of other Al-Qaeda suspects were arrested and subjected to a wide range of abuses, including enforced disappearance, prolonged detention without charge, and torture. Several were under sentence of death or serving long prison terms after unfair trials before the SCC.
In March, following an investigation by a parliamentary committee, the government acknowledged that an air raid on 17 December 2009 that killed 41 men, women and children in Abyan region had been a mistake and that there was no evidence of a military camp at the site, as first alleged. Photographs apparently taken following the attack suggest that the operation used a US-manufactured cruise missile that carried cluster bombs. Such missiles are only known to be held by US forces, and Yemeni armed forces are unlikely to have the military capability to use such a missile. A diplomatic cable leaked by the organization Wikileaks in November corrobated the images that had been released by Amnesty International earlier in the year.
Mass and generally peaceful protests organized by the Southern Movement continued, and there were growing calls for secession of the south. The authorities used excessive and sometimes lethal force against protesters. They accused elements in the Southern Movement of links with Al-Qaeda and in some cases targeted individuals or communities for attack. The government temporarily blockaded some areas by establishing checkpoints and shutting down mobile phone networks, leading to food shortages, and imposed travel bans on some members of the Southern Movement.
Hundreds of people were detained in waves of arrests. Most were released soon after, but some were held incommunicado or for long periods, and some were sentenced to imprisonment after unfair trials before the SCC.
Restrictive press laws and repressive actions by the security forces continued to undermine freedom of the press. People linked to the media were harassed, prosecuted and imprisoned. Some faced unfair trials before the Specialized Press and Publications Court in Sana'a.
Women and girls continued to face severe discrimination in law and practice, and particularly in rural areas were still subject to forced and early marriage. A draft law to raise the minimum age for marriage for girls to 17, approved by the parliament in 2009, had not been enacted by the end of 2010. Large rallies were held in support of and against the proposed reform. The government pledged to implement plans aimed at increasing the participation of women in political, social and economic life.
Mass protests were held across the country against the worsening economic situation and substantial rises in fuel, electricity, water and food prices.
A presidential amnesty announced on 21 May appeared to apply to all political prisoners, including journalists, but the government did not give details about those it covered or the timeframe for releases. Later that month, 117 people detained on suspicion of taking part in the Sa'dah conflict and the protests in the south were released under the amnesty, as were four journalists. However, hundreds of other political prisoners remained held at the end of 2010.
Tens of people suspected of links to Al-Qaeda or armed Islamist groups were killed by the security forces, some in circumstances suggesting that no attempt was made to arrest them. No judicial investigations were known to have been held to establish whether the use of lethal force by the security forces was justified and lawful. Scores of other Al-Qaeda suspects were arrested and subjected to a wide range of abuses, including enforced disappearance, prolonged detention without charge, and torture. Several were under sentence of death or serving long prison terms after unfair trials before the SCC.
In March, following an investigation by a parliamentary committee, the government acknowledged that an air raid on 17 December 2009 that killed 41 men, women and children in Abyan region had been a mistake and that there was no evidence of a military camp at the site, as first alleged. Photographs apparently taken following the attack suggest that the operation used a US-manufactured cruise missile that carried cluster bombs. Such missiles are only known to be held by US forces, and Yemeni armed forces are unlikely to have the military capability to use such a missile. A diplomatic cable leaked by the organization Wikileaks in November corrobated the images that had been released by Amnesty International earlier in the year.
Mass and generally peaceful protests organized by the Southern Movement continued, and there were growing calls for secession of the south. The authorities used excessive and sometimes lethal force against protesters. They accused elements in the Southern Movement of links with Al-Qaeda and in some cases targeted individuals or communities for attack. The government temporarily blockaded some areas by establishing checkpoints and shutting down mobile phone networks, leading to food shortages, and imposed travel bans on some members of the Southern Movement.
Hundreds of people were detained in waves of arrests. Most were released soon after, but some were held incommunicado or for long periods, and some were sentenced to imprisonment after unfair trials before the SCC.
Restrictive press laws and repressive actions by the security forces continued to undermine freedom of the press. People linked to the media were harassed, prosecuted and imprisoned. Some faced unfair trials before the Specialized Press and Publications Court in Sana'a.
Women and girls continued to face severe discrimination in law and practice, and particularly in rural areas were still subject to forced and early marriage. A draft law to raise the minimum age for marriage for girls to 17, approved by the parliament in 2009, had not been enacted by the end of 2010. Large rallies were held in support of and against the proposed reform. The government pledged to implement plans aimed at increasing the participation of women in political, social and economic life.
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Highlights
Inter-Agency Collaboration, Coordination, Cluster Leadership and Key Partnerships
Child Protection Sub-cluster
UNICEF Response
Nutrition
Health
WASH
Child protection
Education
Child Protection Sub-cluster
UNICEF Response
Nutrition
Health
WASH
Child protection
Education
Highlights
· Due to scarcity of fuel, partners, contractors and transportation companies are requesting UNICEF to amend agreements to reflect the increase in the cost of operations.
· The number of schools and kindergartens in Aden hosting the displaced from Abyan has reached 63.
· UNICEF has begun upscaling the distribution of WASH supplies in Sa’ada through partners.
· UNICEF will provide hygiene items to 2,500 families inside Abyan, in cooperation with IOM.
· Integrated multi-antigen and vitamin A campaign underway in Sa’ada and the first accelerated integrated outreach campaigns commence in five governorates.
· Data collection for a nutrition and anaemia survey in Haradh and Hajjah governorates has begun.
· In total 4,367 children suffering severe acute malnutrition (SAM) were enrolled in the community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) programme in Sa’ada between February 2010 and May 2011.
Inter-Agency Collaboration, Coordination, Cluster Leadership and Key Partnerships
Child Protection Sub-cluster
· The Child Protection Sub-Cluster is developing a referral pathway for separated and/or unaccompanied children and reviewing the Sa’ada Emergency Response Plan.
· The Child Protection Working Group in Haradh met with UNHCR, IOM, CSSW, IRY, Education office to coordinate activities related to child protection, psychosocial support and child-friendly spaces with implementing partners such as MOSAL, CSSW and For All Foundation.
WASH cluster
· WASH sub-cluster in Haradh is in discussion to agree on a new latrine model following the heavy storms that destroyed hundreds of latrines a few weeks ago. Models of the new latrine are being tested.
· The MSF Hospital in Haradh is suffering water shortages, and has asked UNICEF to include it in the water supply services in the area.
· WASH cluster partners are already working inside Abyan and more partners are planning to begin supporting humanitarian interventions wherever access is possible.
UNICEF Response
Nutrition
· A total of 4,367 children suffering severe acute malnutrition (SAM) were enrolled in the community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) programme in Sa’ada between February 2010 and May 2011.
· The third training of 20 female volunteers in Sageen district in Sa’ada began this week.
· A Letter of Understanding was finalized with Sa’ada GHO to re-open the therapeutic feeding center at Al-Jumhory hospital in Sa’ada with UNICEF’s direct support.
· Four mobile clinics in Sa’ada are operational in Baqim, Munabeh, Ghamer and Qataber. However close supervision is needed.
· Collection of data for the malnutrition and anaemia survey in Haradh and Hajjah governorates is now underway. A total of 1,120 households will be surveyed. During the first five days of the work, survey teams collected 383 house questionnaires, 529 family questionnaires, 611 woman questionnaires and 633 child questionnaires. Fourteen female and male focus group discussion sessions were also held.
· Preparations are finalized to distribute 12,000 cartons of Plumpynut, CMAM medicines, registries, statistical forms, therapeutic and other anthropometric scales to all governorates.
· UNICEF is monitoring the trends of utilization of CMAM services in the six focus governorates (Sa’ada, Taiz, Ibb, Dhale, Hodeida and Lahj).
Health
· Governorates continue to report an average of 20% non-operational vaccinating facilities, either because health workers are unable to travel to the health facilities or cold chain refrigeration is disrupted due to lack of electricity and gas.
· Accelerated integrated outreach campaigns/child health days underway in five governorates supported by UNICEF.
WASH
· UNICEF and IOM have agreed to cooperate on the humanitarian response to the conflict in Abyan. UNICEF will provide hygiene items to 2,500 families over a period of two months, to be distributed by IOM inside Abyan.
· Plans completed for the registration of families in two districts, Razeh and Hydan for distribution of 300 water filters and hygiene kits through implementing partner Al- Amal Charitable Society. Screening will be conducted jointly with government authorities, EC of Sa’ada.
· Continued provision of water to IDPs despite fuel scarcity with an average of 23 litres per capita per day for the estimated 18,500 IDPs inside the 3 camps and amongst the host community.
· A total of 1,806 families sensitized on hygiene such as correct hand washing practices, cleaning water Jerry cans, latrines, keeping tent surroundings clean, stopping open defecation, etc.
· Hygiene kits and consumables have been sent to Aden for Abyan IDPs.
Child protection
· Reports received by UNICEF partners document a total of 76 children killed (10 girls/66 boys) since the start of the civil unrest and violence in Yemen, the youngest being 4 years of age, 777 cases of affected children, including 147 children wounded by live bullets or ammunition (15 girls/132 boys), 43 children affected by physical violence and hundreds of other children affected by teargas suffocation.
· Summer camp activities in Al-Mazraq camps I&III by For All Foundation in the past two weeks have reached 1492 males and 1697 females with recreational, educational, sport, competitive and child protection activities.
· MOSAL Haradh resumed CP/prevention of violence activities. 917 (M: 407, F: 510) displaced children have access to different recreational activities in summer camps.
· In partnership with local NGOs in Ibb, Hodeida and Taiz governorates, 2502 (M:1299, F:1203) participated in the recreational activities in child-friendly spaces.
· A total of 531 (M: 252, F: 279) calls were received by the helpline and 190 (M: 89, F: 103) cases supported by the psychosocial center managed by the Arab Human Rights Foundation with UNICEF support. Main complaints were psychological problems and sleep disorders (night terror, nightmares, etc) and phobia mainly due to the current conflict.
Education
· Summer activities implemented by NGOs in Taiz, Hodeidah, Sana’a (Hasabah), Haradh, Ibb, and Dahala’a are progressing as planned and in several locations more children have joined in. There is high demand to join the summer activities by both girls and boys. Activities were mostly led by youth, trained as facilitators/trainers. Awareness-raising sessions on several issues related to education and psycho-social support of children were given to parents.
· Implementation of the Back to School campaign plans related to media, supplies and teacher training is ongoing. Production of TV and radio flashes is in the final stages. The campaign logo was approved by MoE and partners, and a designer is finalizing it with banners and posters.
· A manual for training of teachers is finalized and sent for printing (6000 copies so far). Dates of TOT and training of teachers are fixed and communicated to governorates who are preparing for decentralized training of teachers at governorate level.
· A meeting with DGs of education and key staff from targeted governorates is scheduled for 3/8/2011 for orientation on the B2S campaign and their responsibilities at governorate level.
Child Protection Sub-cluster
· The Child Protection Sub-Cluster is developing a referral pathway for separated and/or unaccompanied children and reviewing the Sa’ada Emergency Response Plan.
· The Child Protection Working Group in Haradh met with UNHCR, IOM, CSSW, IRY, Education office to coordinate activities related to child protection, psychosocial support and child-friendly spaces with implementing partners such as MOSAL, CSSW and For All Foundation.
WASH cluster
· WASH sub-cluster in Haradh is in discussion to agree on a new latrine model following the heavy storms that destroyed hundreds of latrines a few weeks ago. Models of the new latrine are being tested.
· The MSF Hospital in Haradh is suffering water shortages, and has asked UNICEF to include it in the water supply services in the area.
· WASH cluster partners are already working inside Abyan and more partners are planning to begin supporting humanitarian interventions wherever access is possible.
UNICEF Response
Nutrition
· A total of 4,367 children suffering severe acute malnutrition (SAM) were enrolled in the community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) programme in Sa’ada between February 2010 and May 2011.
· The third training of 20 female volunteers in Sageen district in Sa’ada began this week.
· A Letter of Understanding was finalized with Sa’ada GHO to re-open the therapeutic feeding center at Al-Jumhory hospital in Sa’ada with UNICEF’s direct support.
· Four mobile clinics in Sa’ada are operational in Baqim, Munabeh, Ghamer and Qataber. However close supervision is needed.
· Collection of data for the malnutrition and anaemia survey in Haradh and Hajjah governorates is now underway. A total of 1,120 households will be surveyed. During the first five days of the work, survey teams collected 383 house questionnaires, 529 family questionnaires, 611 woman questionnaires and 633 child questionnaires. Fourteen female and male focus group discussion sessions were also held.
· Preparations are finalized to distribute 12,000 cartons of Plumpynut, CMAM medicines, registries, statistical forms, therapeutic and other anthropometric scales to all governorates.
· UNICEF is monitoring the trends of utilization of CMAM services in the six focus governorates (Sa’ada, Taiz, Ibb, Dhale, Hodeida and Lahj).
Health
· Governorates continue to report an average of 20% non-operational vaccinating facilities, either because health workers are unable to travel to the health facilities or cold chain refrigeration is disrupted due to lack of electricity and gas.
· Accelerated integrated outreach campaigns/child health days underway in five governorates supported by UNICEF.
WASH
· UNICEF and IOM have agreed to cooperate on the humanitarian response to the conflict in Abyan. UNICEF will provide hygiene items to 2,500 families over a period of two months, to be distributed by IOM inside Abyan.
· Plans completed for the registration of families in two districts, Razeh and Hydan for distribution of 300 water filters and hygiene kits through implementing partner Al- Amal Charitable Society. Screening will be conducted jointly with government authorities, EC of Sa’ada.
· Continued provision of water to IDPs despite fuel scarcity with an average of 23 litres per capita per day for the estimated 18,500 IDPs inside the 3 camps and amongst the host community.
· A total of 1,806 families sensitized on hygiene such as correct hand washing practices, cleaning water Jerry cans, latrines, keeping tent surroundings clean, stopping open defecation, etc.
· Hygiene kits and consumables have been sent to Aden for Abyan IDPs.
Child protection
· Reports received by UNICEF partners document a total of 76 children killed (10 girls/66 boys) since the start of the civil unrest and violence in Yemen, the youngest being 4 years of age, 777 cases of affected children, including 147 children wounded by live bullets or ammunition (15 girls/132 boys), 43 children affected by physical violence and hundreds of other children affected by teargas suffocation.
· Summer camp activities in Al-Mazraq camps I&III by For All Foundation in the past two weeks have reached 1492 males and 1697 females with recreational, educational, sport, competitive and child protection activities.
· MOSAL Haradh resumed CP/prevention of violence activities. 917 (M: 407, F: 510) displaced children have access to different recreational activities in summer camps.
· In partnership with local NGOs in Ibb, Hodeida and Taiz governorates, 2502 (M:1299, F:1203) participated in the recreational activities in child-friendly spaces.
· A total of 531 (M: 252, F: 279) calls were received by the helpline and 190 (M: 89, F: 103) cases supported by the psychosocial center managed by the Arab Human Rights Foundation with UNICEF support. Main complaints were psychological problems and sleep disorders (night terror, nightmares, etc) and phobia mainly due to the current conflict.
Education
· Summer activities implemented by NGOs in Taiz, Hodeidah, Sana’a (Hasabah), Haradh, Ibb, and Dahala’a are progressing as planned and in several locations more children have joined in. There is high demand to join the summer activities by both girls and boys. Activities were mostly led by youth, trained as facilitators/trainers. Awareness-raising sessions on several issues related to education and psycho-social support of children were given to parents.
· Implementation of the Back to School campaign plans related to media, supplies and teacher training is ongoing. Production of TV and radio flashes is in the final stages. The campaign logo was approved by MoE and partners, and a designer is finalizing it with banners and posters.
· A manual for training of teachers is finalized and sent for printing (6000 copies so far). Dates of TOT and training of teachers are fixed and communicated to governorates who are preparing for decentralized training of teachers at governorate level.
· A meeting with DGs of education and key staff from targeted governorates is scheduled for 3/8/2011 for orientation on the B2S campaign and their responsibilities at governorate level.
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