Speeches Shim
Rana is a Yemeni college student who will graduate this year with a bachelor’s degree in business. She and her peers face extraordinary challenges finding jobs and planning for their futures. Their war-torn country is suffering an economic and humanitarian crisis that has driven its people to the brink of famine. Yemen’s population is one of the youngest in the world, with 75 percent under 30 years old. Faced with these obstacles, many young people turn to criminal activity and political violence. For Yemen to advance on its journey to stability and self-reliance, young people, like Rana, must be empowered to find sustainable work.
Yemen's current conflict is complex and multifaceted. Fighting continues between those aligned with the Houthis and forces allied with the internationally recognized Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG), backed by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and supported by the United States. Beyond the larger regional conflict, there are a wide range of local conflicts and grievances - including some secessionist elements - that were not resolved during the 2012 transition. Political instability, a security vacuum, and fractured governance have allowed Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the Islamic State-Yemen (ISY), and other extremist groups to expand their areas of influence. During the conflict, Yemen’s social fabric has frayed, polarizing communities and deepening societal divisions in ways that will create significant obstacles for peace and reconciliation processes and challenge Yemen’s stability for years to come. Some parties to the conflict – including regional actors – seek to amplify these divisions. Many conflict actors are also benefiting from a wartime economy and profiteering in ways that create further obstacles to peace.
To support and reinforce the capacity of Yemenis to lead the country’s recovery efforts, these activities work with key local and national institutions across sectors that will be critical as people affected by conflict start rebuilding their lives.
USAID is strengthening existing health service systems affected by conflict and supporting the delivery of primary healthcare services to hard-to-reach populations.
USAID’s contribution to the Public Works Program alleviates poverty through short-term job creation and improves the living conditions for the poorest Yemeni citizens.
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