Shelter Cluster Winterization Recommendations for Yemen, October 2019 – February 2020

i. Background

After almost five years of conflict, and despite all efforts to halt displacement, hunger and disease, the situation in Yemen remains catastrophic and continues to be the worst mand-made humanitarian crisis in the world which has torn the nation apart and set back the standard of living by decades. The Shelter/NFI situation deteriorated as a result of the intensified conflict and shift of frontlines, coupled with insecurity and recurrent natural disasters in addition to the alarming deterioration of the Yemeni economy including depreciation of the local currency, unprecedented increases in the price of fuel and high inflation rates resulting in increased prices of basic commodities in local markets including household items and shelter materials. The situation of affected population will continue to deteriorate rapidly on all fronts without urgent action to end the violence and addressing the growing number of humanitarian needs.

The ongoing conflict prevented majority of conflict affected population from recovering their livelihoods, and that more people have by now exhausted their financial savings and are not able to prepare adequately for the winter season. The climate in Yemen varies greatly depending on the geographical region. During the winter season, the country experiences coolness, with frequent frost. The range of temperature can go from 19°C during the highest temperature in winter, into below 0°C at its coldest. Rain is brought in by the southwest winds. Rainfall, which comes in irregular heavy torrents, averages 130 millimetres (5.12 in) annually.

This document represents recommendations for the winterization support as part of the Shelter Cluster efforts to put in place measures to support people of concern in order to avert the risk of humanitarian tragedy and loss of life during the winter months, particularly between October and February. The Shelter Cluster’s response requires coordinated efforts by partners and timely implementation to address this situation by providing Winter NFIs or Shelter assistance based on needs through visible modalities primarily vouchers/cash to enable the beneficiaries to choose the items they need, the colour/brand they like and the right size.

In-kind distributions could be used in very remote locations where cash systems and markets are not functioning. All information included in this document reflect results from consultations with Cluster partners and building on the experience developed in the previous winterization programs.
Given the current numbers of displaced persons concerned and the growing humanitarian needs, more effort will be required to bolster the response in the affected areas during the winter months with a priority to be given to IDPs living in hosting sites (Collective Centres and Spontaneous Settlements) in very cold locations. The Cluster will seek to provide people most at risk, particularly women and children with special attention are envisaged for individuals with specific needs. The winterization programs should complement other Shelter Cluster response reflected in the Humanitarian Response Plan 2019

https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/shelter-cluster-winterization-recommendations-yemen-october-2019-february-2020

https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/shelter_cluster_winterization_recommendations_2019-2020_-_v2-_en.pdf

You might also like