UNICEF Yemen

Monthly situation report For internal and external use Reporting period 1-31 May 2011 Highlights Political deadlock culminated in all-out conflict and street fighting, including with heavy artillery, in parts of the country starting May 23. On May 29, Freedom Square in Taiz city was attacked and set ablaze by alleged regime loyalists and security forces, killing 53 people. Confirmed number of children killed is nine (2 girls and 7 boys) ranging from four to 17 years of age in Taiz, Sana'a and Zenjebar (Abyan). This raises the total number to 49 children since the beginning of the civil unrest. Six schools have been used as military installations by both parties to the conflict. School exams took place throughout the country, however there are several schools affected by teacher strikes, mainly in main cities. Taiz City, teachers demonstrated at the Government Education Officer, demanding salaries and financial allowances, and calling for the postponement of examinations. During the reporting period, several were reportedly injured by security while attempting to disperse them An estimated 445,000 doses of DPT- Pentavalent vaccines for a targeted population of 120,000 children delivered to the central level ready for distribution to the governorates and peripheral health facilities. Outbreak of chicken pox and measles reported in southern and northern governorates with measles outbreak showing low cumulative coverage for 2011(Aden- 58% and Saada less than 10%). As a result of the new de facto leadership in Saada and its promise of improved access to affected populations, UNICEF facilitated urgent delivery of essential supplies and equipment including 3,000 cartons of Plumpy Nut and therapeutic milk. Increased unrest around the country has seen schools and education offices in some areas targeted. Decisions by the MoE to shorten the scholastic year, cut teachers salaries, and fire teachers have been unpopular in some quarters and reduced the influence of the ministry. Dialogue, negotiations and trust building continue with the Al-Houthis to allow the use of existing vaccines. But mistrust prevails with the AH insisting they be provided with equipment to test all vaccines destined for Saada. Sporadic cases of measles and whooping cough are reported, increasing the risk of an outbreak. Fuel shortage and frequent power outage are reaching crisis levels and have started impacting delivery of critical services. Over fifty percent of households in Sanaa are dependent on water delivered through water trucking. An acute watery diarrhea outbreak occurred in Abyan governorate with over 300 people affected.

Situation Overview Humanitarian needs Yemen is the least developed country in the Middle East, facing a number of challenges, such as a southern secessionist movement, rebel groups in the north, a steady influx of East African refugees and alarming rates of poverty and malnutrition. Unrest and general instability in past months are an additional burden. Key humanitarian needs are basic health care, drinking water and sanitation, education and protection. A minimal humanitarian space to address immediate needs in conflict areas is of critical importance. Key advocacy messages of UNICEF Yemen have been for children to be kept out of harms way and protected at all costs during the civil unrest. UNICEF Yemen is particularly committed to respond to issues that fall under WASH, Nutrition, Child Protection and Education, as the cluster lead. Inter-Agency Collaboration, Coordination, Cluster Leadership and Key Partnerships Cluster leadership UNICEF leads the WASH, nutrition and education clusters, as well as the child protection sub-cluster. WASH Cluster WASH cluster met during the month of May to review YHRP 2011 The absence of a cluster coordinator during the month increased workload of the only two available WASH staff. Due to the rapidly changing situation in Harrad and frequent reports of sabotage and vandalism of water supply systems and disaffected IDPs a WASH staff was temporarily deployed to Harrad to provide on the spot technical support.

Nutrition Cluster Midyear review of YHRP 2011 and the 2011 cluster objective and strategy finalized. Sub-cluster meetings convened in Amran. Three vulnerability /risk indicators for the nutrition cluster agreed upon and shared with OCHA. Logistical plans for the nutrition survey in Hajjah amongst IDPs and host communities finalized and cluster partners requested to nominate staff to participate in the survey. Humanitarian priorities for the second half of the year include critical actions to address the current conflict in the South and the rising cost of food and fuel they include: Reorienting the nutrition project nationwide to accommodate the possible scenarios. To invest in the new humanitarian access in Saada to expand the preventive and therapeutic nutrition services. The need to closely monitor the situation and possible impact on the nutrition situation of the most vulnerable groups through setting up sentinel sites and monitoring the TFC data on monthly bases. Intensifying advocacy efforts with other stockholders to leverage the required resources and to further Finalization of capacity mapping consultant, who will work closely with the NCC and UNICEF Nutrition team to finalize a comprehensive capacity assessment of all partners (existed, gaps and needs to scale up). Reviewing the national CMAM GLs to encompass not only management of SAM, but MAM and SFP. Finalization of the IDPs Nutrition Survey Protocol Strengthen the social protection safety net. Education Cluster The Education Cluster convened two meetings this week and finalized the printing and sending of flyers to all local education offices on Thursday. The campaign was printed daily throughout the week in major newspapers and the flash to be aired on TV was finalized by MoEs communications office and SC. A LNGO in Sanaa has volunteered to spread 3000 fliers in their local communities. One Teachers Union with ties to the government agreed to help facilitate the distribution of fliers while the other unions refused as they saw the campaign as a politicized attempt to remove the demonstrators from the streets. The Cluster Lead has been in touch with the field offices and is urging them to strengthen cooperation with partners and in cases where an education cluster doesnt exist, to take the initiative to start one. At the Inter Cluster Coordination meeting at OCHA one of the main concerns at this point is how to obtain accurate numbers and figures on the extent of the emergency. This issue has been communicated to all field offices, and is on the agenda for next weeks Cluster meeting. A meeting was held with Protection to acknowledge the need for closer cooperation in the field during emergency and the need to conduct joint assessments. ICCM met and discussed the midyear YHRP review as well as the mapping of needs currently being drafted by the clusters. The results will be presented at a workshop on May 28 followed by a donor meeting on May 29. The Education Cluster met on 23 May to discuss the Mid-year review of the YHRP. The cluster lead will present the result during the May 28 workshop. The cluster agreed to have a workshop on emergency preparedness/contingency planning on 12 June. The first meeting between MoE and UNICEF regarding the Back-to-School campaign will be held on 28 May. UNICEF team worked on mapping the needs for the Mid-year review. MoE will provide the report on the final exams from all governorates. Education has received the finalized proposal on summer activities in three districts of Saada from Razeh and is working to finalize it. The B2S committee held an initial meeting to plan for the campaign and agreed on objectives, coverage and target population. The committee was divided into three sub-committees Media, Supplies, and Training and two of these committees have met to come up with a proposal for discussion on the plenary meeting expected to be headed by Jendari on Sunday. The Education Cluster Coordinator was present for the OCHA workshop, drafting the first lay-out for the midyear review and presenting the 2011 cluster achievements. Based on this workshop a donor meeting was held the following day to include the donors in the revision process. Together with OCHA and other agencies the Cluster Coordinator took part in the planning of a rapid assessment in Sanaa and the development of a brief inter-cluster tool. Child Protection Cluster UNICEF organized a Child Protection Sub-Cluster meeting during the reporting period, with the participation of MOSAL, HCMC, UNHCR, IOM, save the Children, ICRC, Democratic School, Seyaj, and Showthab Foundations. The participants discussed the advocacy strategy on protecting children from the risks of their participation in the demonstrations and protests (Public Statement, flyers and SMS messages). They also discussed the contingency planning and the need to review the gaps in the current child protection emergency response plan) The Child-Protection Sub-Cluster members have participated in the mid-year review meeting organized by the Protection Cluster to review the 2011 Consolidated Appeal Plan (CAP) for humanitarian response. The members are working collectively to review and update the plan based on the analysis of the current situation with regards to the protection of children. They also discussed the campaign Protect my school! is launched to

prepare the grounds for a draft resolution that Germany intends to submit to the Security Council during the German Presidency in July, as a follow up for the recommendations of the 1oth Annual Report of the Secretary General on Children and Armed conflict. Child Protection Working Group was held in Haradh on May 18 attended by UNHCR, IOM, CSSW, SC, MDM, MOSAL, DRC, IRY, MoHR Harad and UNICEF. In the meeting, the participants agreed to update the 3Ws, the child protection referral system, summer activities for children and other related activities. Another meeting was held in Haradh between UNICEF, OCHA, UNHCR, WHO, WFP and IRY discussing plans for camp 2 during the transition period before moving to camp 3 beginning of August 2011, and the tents maintenance which have been damaged to be repaired. The Child Protection Working Group held a meeting in Saada beginning of this month, which was attended by MOSAL, Save the Children, Islamic relief International, Yemen Women Union, Saada Women Association, Razeh Association, and UNICEF. Main topics discussed were focused on the Child Protection Centre planned to be established, as well as risks of physical abuse and child labor and how to prevent children affected by the conflict.

Partnerships with INGOs and NGOs UNICEF Response Nutrition 312 volunteers (including 48 female volunteers from Ibb) and 65 community midwives, nurses and doctors trained to identify, screen, treat and follow up on children with acute malnutrition in 13 governorates including on IYCF. Revision of the national CMAM Guidelines initiated under UNICEF leadership and cluster cooperation; the first draft of the CMAM GL will be presented in a national workshop by mid-July. Supervisory and monitoring activities of OTPS and TFCs conducted in Lahj, Al-Dhale, Ibb and Hodeida a total of 420 children enrolled in CMAM and 8 new OTPS opened during the month of May. A total of 450,000 sachets (four tons) of ready-to-use therapeutic food for the treatment of malnutrition were successfully delivered to Saada. The supplies will be sufficient for the treatment of 3000 children for one to three months. Awareness-raising sessions on nutrition aired through Ibb radio station. Centrally at MOPHP: UNICEF and WHO provided technical assistance and facilitated a national five-day workshop to finalise the national IYCF guidelines. The workshop included more than 30 personnel from different governorates and involved academics from medical universities. WASH UNICEF supported Al-Khair NGO to take over the maintenance of water supply and sewage systems, solid waste management, conduct hygiene promotion, and partial maintenance of latrines in camp 2. Access to safe drinking water in three camps in Al-Mazraq is 100%, based on the SPHERE standards, provided with 20-25 liters/person/day. All water samples have been tested are found to be safe. There was no increase in the diarrheal cases in camps 1 or 3 during the reporting period. 1731 IDP families camp based have received monthly hygiene consumable kits and orientated on hygiene promotion activities. The delivery of the household water storage tanks through the supplier is on-going to Sa'ada city. The quantity received to end of this reporting period is 249 tanks. Destruction of Camp 1 and 2 by hailstorm with destruction of 25% of the household tents and latrines. UNICEF immediately deployed WASH personal to oversee the rehabilitation of the latrines. Constructed three water tanks (2,000 litres) outside the 3 IDP camps for contingency Health Critical life-saving health programmes maintained in the governorates with training of community health workers on home-based maternal and new-born care, immunization and IMCI. Health staff in Aden mobilized in response to an outbreak of watery diarrhea in neighboring Abyan. Suspected to be cholera, the outbreak is in its fifth week and has so far claimed two lives and affected another 300 people, twenty percent being children under the age of five. Fifty thousand ORS sachets and protocols for the management of cholera were delivered to Abyan. Child protection Monitoring, Reporting and Advocacy on Violations Against Childrens Rights Confirmed number of children killed as a result of the collapse of seize fire are 9 children (2 girls and 7 boys) ranging from 4 - 17 years old in Taiz, Sana'a and Zenjebar (Abyan). This raised the total number to 49 children since the start of the civil unrest. Another six cases of injured children were verified, while it is believed that the real number is much higher. This raises the total number of children injured since the start of civil unrest to 696. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that six schools have been used as military installations by both parties to the conflict.

Promoting the Protection and Psychosocial Support for children UNICEF continued its emergency operations in Saada, Hajja and Amran including the following; Awareness for 11,439 (M: 6,317, F: 5,122) community members, youth and children on child protection in emergency covering sessions on different topics mainly child marriage and child neglect and risks related to these topics. 38 child protection cases identified and reported this month by the CP teams, 28 cases of boys including physical abuse, 1 separation and child labour. 18 of them received PSS support, 4 cases received legal aids and one case received medical support. While 10 cases of girls were mainly concerning physical abuse and child marriage. 6 of them received PSS support A total of 25,662 (M: 15,612, F: 10,050) were provided with access to psychosocial activities through 12 child friendly spaces and mobile teams, including recreational and play activities in Saada. Similarly, support continued for 870 affected people (M: 505, F: 365) and 1015 children and youth (M: 495, F: 520) in Haradh with awareness and orientation on MRE by child protection teams. Also, 834 people (M: 460, F: 374) participated in CHILD Protection Committees and 746 children and youth (M:378, F:368) participated in children's committees and discussed mainly family child neglect and child marriage During May, a total of 1389 (M: 733, F: 656) calls were received by the help line and 335 (M: 125, F: 210) cases supported by the psychosocial center managed by the Arab Human Rights Foundation with UNICEF support. Main complaints were school related problem/no desire to study as well as family problems. UNICEF in partnership with Shawthab Foundation, a total of 900 children (M:400, F:500) participated in drawing competitions in two schools, expressing their views and hope towards the current situation. While, a total of 900 children (M:450, F:450) participated in recreational activities including sports in two parks in areas close to Tagheer place UNICEF organized training in Aden Governorate focusing on child protection in emergency mainly on psychosocial support. The training has started on 15 May 2011and brought together 25 staff from local NGOs in Aden, Abyan, Shabwa and Dhale. The training is being facilitated by selected Core Trainers trained earlier by UNICEF in this area, while UNICEF specialists are providing coaching and supervision support. UNICEF supported training for 28 staff from mainly local NGOs on child protection in emergency with a focus on psychosocial support, which started 8 May 2011. The training takes place in Hodeidha Governorate and is being facilitated by selected Core Trainers trained earlier by UNICEF in this area, while UNICEF specialists are providing coaching and supervision support. In UNICEF organized training in Ibb Governorate focusing on child protection in emergency mainly on psychosocial support. The training has started on 28 May 2011and brought together 25 staff from local NGOs in Ibb and Taiz. The training is being facilitated by selected Core Trainers trained earlier by UNICEF in this area, while UNICEF specialists are providing coaching and supervision support. In partnership with Al-Hekma AL-Yamania in Dhale, UNICEF supported a 25 participants (M:15, F:10) from NGO staff to be trained on CP/PSS/CFS. In partnership with CSSW in Hodeidha, an orientation session on CPiE was carried for 10 participants (M:5, F:5), as well as a training of 50 (M:25, F:25) peer educators on life skills and child protection messages. In partnership with Abo Mosa Al-Asharee in Hodeidh, 50 (M:24, F:26) peer educators received messages on life skills and child protection messages. In partnership with Child Protection Initiative in Hodeidha, a TOT on CFSs and CPiE was carried for 26 (M:12, F:14) Protection of Unaccompanied Children UNICEF in collaboration with MOSAL identified an additional eight unaccompanied Ethiopian boys in three adult prisons in Hodeidah. UNICEF coordinated with UNCHR for screening and interviewing the children to determine about their desire to voluntary return to their country of origin or stay in Yemen. UNICEF at the same time advocated and supported their release from the prisons and coordinated with IOM for their return. There are currently 130 UAMs in the child protection center in Harah. UNICEF and IOM are coordinating efforts for their repatriation to their country. In light of the agreement signed between UNICEF, MOSAL, Al-Saleh Foundation and Local Authority in Hajja, child protection center receives the unaccompanied children repatriated from Saudi Arabia or the children trying to cross the border to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Around 85 unaccompanied children arrive at the child protection center every month. Most recently, a 12-year Saudi boy was found in Yemen, seemingly mixed by mistake with other migrants when they were sent back to Yemen. He is provided with protection and alternative care in the center. In coordination with the local authority of Hajjah, UNICEF is liaising with the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in order to trace his family and facilitate reunification. The national security and the Ministry of

Interior are informed about this case and are ready to reunify the child jointly with Ministry of Social Affairs if the family is traced and the authorities in KSA are informed. Prevention from the use and recruitment of children from armed forces and groups As a follow up to the advocacy made by RC/HC and UNICEF Representative and following the discussion made for the finalization of Yemen Country Report of the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict to the Committee of the Rights of the Child, Yemen reaffirmed its commitment to not involve children in armed conflict in a cabinet meeting that was chaired by the Prime Minister on 3 May 2011. The government pointed out that the Republic of Yemen will work to enact legislations, and it is expected that a set of recommendations will be issued soon. The 10th Annual Report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict was released on 11 May 2011, highlighting concerns on the situation of children in armed conflict in Yemen and listed parties that use and recruit children in Yemen. A letter was sent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as a follow up to the release of the 10th Annual Report of the Secretary General on Children and Armed Conflict which has highlighted concerns on the situation of children in armed conflict in Yemen and listed parties that use and recruit children in Yemen. A meeting was held by UNICEF with the Secretary General of the Higher Council for Motherhood and Childhood (HCMC) and the Head of Human Rights and Civil Society in the Council of Minsters as a follow up to the letter sent by the UNICEF Representative and the RC/HC to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, sharing the 10th Annual Report of the SG-CAAC and recommending follow up actions. The necessity for an immediate commitment of the GoY to the Paris Principles and for developing and signing an action plan between the UN and the Ministry of Defense was stressed out and agreed upon to obtain high commitment for the end of recruitment and/or use of children within Al-Jayesh Al-Sha'bi (Popular Defense) that consists of pro-government militias and the release and reintegration of those associated with the pro-government militias and the facilitation of developing the same with Al-Houthis. A meeting was held with German Embassy to follow up on the 10th Annual Report of the Secretary General on Children and Armed Conflict and to discuss the German Initiative to organize a global campaign to protect schools and hospitals. This initiative was discussed with the members of the Child Protection Sub Cluster. Education UNICEF has dispatched learning and teaching material benefiting 13,000 children in Haradh, Taiz and Dhale. 10 ECD kits and CTC-material has been sent to Taiz to benefit 450 young facilitators and 2000 children. Two small tents delivered in Haradh to be used for literacy classes in camp 1 and 3, and 2 tents were sent to Dhale benefiting 3000 students. UNICEF printed and distributed 1,000,000 fliers and 20,000 stickers to the MoE for the advocacy campaign. The CAP Mid-year Review has been conducted and inputs provided accordingly. Camp 3 in Harad faced massive destruction of tents after heavy rain and hail. The school tents are rendered unusable and will have to be replaced. Three tents will be replaced immediately to accommodate for the final exams taking place now. The school furniture was rescued and moved to the vacated restaurant in camp 2. Distributed 21 ECD kits in Aden, 23 ECD kits in Ibb and 23 ECD kits in Hodaydah to benefit 3,350 IDP children, refugees and host community children. The Emergency Consultant went to Harad to assist the field after the rain storm. The Education team visited the new warehouse in Sanaa and sent their feedback to Supply. Supplies enough for 10,000 children, 13 classes and 10 ECD kits arrived in Saada with the UNICEF convoy and were prepositioned before next years Back-to-School campaign. 150,000 bags were ordered offshore for use in the Back-to-School campaign. The Education Team and field offices finalized the compiling of a report on the impact of the current unrest on education. This document will be updated on a weekly basis. The information gathered shows a concerning decline in education the last four months. The 305 double chairs/desks delivered to Minzalah are now being assembled. Human Resources and Surge Capacity WASH specialist and programme officer temporarily deployed to Haradh. Media and Communication A press release was disseminated to media on UNICEF nutrition supplies convoyed to the northern governorate of Saada. The story was published in 20 different media outlets in English, and 19 newspapers in Arabic.

Radio Messages: Three different awareness-raising messages were aired on Sanaa national radio and local radios in Hajja and Saada, around the convoy to Saada. Facebook: Increased number of likes to over 280 on each page Status updates covered topics including the convoy to Saada with photos and video, nutrition interventions in Ibb, child protection in Aden, education and school final exams, unaccompanied Ethiopian minors, etc. Visibility: Education School final exam posters, banners for convoy trucks. Advocacy: Education section in the B2S campaign strategy: media and awareness-raising components, child protections subcluster: advocacy letter as well as media and advocacy messages on violence

List of emergency spokespersons

Topic Child Health Malnutrition Education

Spokesperson Agostino Munyiri Chief of Young Child Survival & Development Mohamed Bile, Chief of Basic Education and Gender Equity Ghassan Madieh Water, Hygiene, Sanitation Specialist Ghada Kachachi Chief of Child Protection Buthaina Al-Iryani HIV/Aids Specialist Patricia Nakell

Languages English

Contact Details +967 71141 1130 amunyiri@unicef.org +967 71222 3015 +967 733342404 mbile@unicef.org +967 71222 3353 +967 733156034 gmadieh@unicef.org +967 71222 3003 gkachachi@unicef.org +967 77730 9492 +967 777309492 baliryani@unicef.org +962 795 883799 pnakell@unicef.org +967 71110 6127 +967737523001 +8821654200218 gcappelaere@unicef.org

English, Arabic

WASH

Arabic, English

Child Protection HIV/Aids

Arabic, English Arabic, English

Communications

Head of mission

Geert Cappelaere

Arabic, English, Finnish, Swedish, French English, French, Dutch, Italian

Funding requirements for 2011 (USD) Unmet Requirements 2,150,540 6,169,110 1,725,121 2,902,850 2,084,725 15,032,346

Appeal Sector Health Nutrition Education WASH Child Protection Total

Requirements 2,150,540 7,201,100 2,327,000 5,395,446 3,218,750 20,292,836

Funds received 0 1,031,990 601,879 2,492,596 1,134,025 5,260,490

Funding gap 2,150,540 6,169,110 1,725,121 2,902,850 2,084,725 15,032,346

Date of next sitrep: July, 2011 For further information, please contact:
Patricia Nakell Chief of Communication UNICEF Yemen Country Office Tel.: +962 795 883799 pnakell@unicef.org Anne-Marie Fonseka Deputy Representative UNICEF Yemen Country Office Tel.: +967 1211400, +967737523003 +8821654200278 (Thuraya) amfonseka@unicef.org