IOM has increased its role in the field of emergency and
post-crisis assistance in northern Yemen following the cessation of
hostilities in the Sa'ada province, which over the past six years
has pitted armed Al Houthi insurgents from the northern
governorates against Government of Yemen forces.

IOM is providing assistance to the internally displaced persons
(IDPs) in the conflict affected region, which according to
government estimates totals some 350,000 people.

In June 2010, IOM distributed 500 hygiene kits and water filters
to families in the Al-Jawf Governorate, with the support of in-kind
contributions from UNICEF. This distribution follows successful
operations funded by the UK Department for International
Development (DFID) and the UN Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF)
in which 2,350 Non-Food Item (NFI) kits were distributed to 2,350
families in Al-Jawf, Hajjah and Amran.  However, the security
situation in the region remains tense.

Working with the NGO "Friends of Al-Jawf for Development", IOM
has been able to effectively carry out relief activities and is
poised to expand its operations. Through training and logistic
support, IOM seeks to build local capacity to undertake
humanitarian and development initiatives.

Emerging priorities for the IOM mission in Yemen include the
distribution of additional non-food items and shelter materials,
the establishment of a mobile health team and the provision of
hygiene kits and safe drinking water for the displaced population
and host community in Al Jawf. IOM is also discussing with the
Government of Yemen to provide assistance for IDPs wanting to
return to their communities of origin.

The IOM mission in Yemen works closely with civil society and UN
agencies to support the Government of Yemen's counter-trafficking
efforts. IOM also facilitates Assisted Voluntary Return and
Reintegration (AVRR) for Ethiopians stranded in Yemen and is
implementing projects focused on labour migration.

For further information please contact:

Amr Taha

IOM Yemen

Tel: 00967-736700170

E-mail:  "mailto:ataha@iom.int">ataha@iom.int