Yemen has experienced protracted violent conflict since late 2014 and remains the worst humanitarian and development crisis in the world. This has added to the scale and complexity of explosive ordnance contamination, leaving large swathes of the country impacted - particularly in the Sarawat Mountains and surrounding coastal areas where the majority of the population reside.

Explosive remnants of war (ERW) contamination is the result of all types of unexploded ordnance (UXO) including cluster munitions, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), landmines, sea mines, abandoned explosive ordnance (AXO) and poorly stored munitions. 

ERW and IED contamination continues to harm civilians and damage their homes and infrastructure with women and girls disproportionately affected by conflict and the threat of ERW. Additionally, major roads, bridges and power lines across the country have been severely damaged, and oil and gas production have been totally disrupted.

Existing national institutions must be strengthened to handle existing threats. 

Objectives

The overarching objective of UNDP’s Mine Action interventions is to develop national capacity to respond to the threats posed by explosive hazards. In the interim, UNDP also aims to support safe access for the delivery of humanitarian aid and develop the precursor requirements for post-conflict reconstruction; all of which are a prerequisite to stabilisation and the normalisation of economic activity in many of the most impacted regions of the country.

UNDP will achieve this by (re)developing the national Mine Action infrastructure, developing national capacity and - as the national capacity is developed - providing direct support to a co-ordinated Mine Action Sector. By the end of the Project, interventions should be conducted in accordance with National Mine Action Standards (NMAS), which are in turn based on International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and coordinated by the appropriate Mine Action authorities across Yemen.

Expected Results

• National Mine Action Authorities have improved capacities to carry-out mine activities that are consistent with priorities.
• ERW clearance and land release interventions are delivered in contaminated communities.
• The Yemen Mine Action Authorities have capacity to effectively coordinate, regulate and plan the mapping of ERW contamination and assess the impact using primary and secondary sources while fulfilling international treaty obligations. 
• At-risk communities have increased knowledge on identifying, dealing, and avoiding mines and unexploded ordnance.

Download related documents

• Mine Action Fast Fact Sheet