H.E. Mukhtar Al-Yafai Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, met today at the Ministry's headquarters in the capital, Aden, with Mr. Obia Achieng, Deputy Representative for Programmes and Officer-in-Charge of the UNICEF Representative Office in Yemen, and Mr. Hussein Attar, UNICEF Child Protection Programme Manager, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the Ministry and UNICEF in the areas of social protection and child protection.

The meeting reviewed progress on finalizing the Strategic Framework for Social Protection and its executive regulations, while also continuing coordination on the implementation of the National Child Protection Plan and developing a joint roadmap to advance its priorities. Discussions further covered the importance of restoring cash assistance programmes for the most vulnerable households and the need to establish an operational mechanism that enhances transparency and strengthens coordination to ensure that assistance reaches eligible beneficiaries in accordance with clear and equitable criteria.

H.E. Minister Al-Yafaei emphasized the importance of gradually transitioning from emergency humanitarian interventions to social protection and sustainable development programmes that deliver long-term impact. He noted that the Ministry looks forward to expanding its partnership with UNICEF to develop a more efficient and sustainable social protection system and to support the implementation of the Strategic Framework for Social Protection and the National Child Protection Plan.

The Minister also highlighted the consultative meeting scheduled to take place in the coming period, which will bring together the Ministry, its offices across the governorates, relevant government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners. The meeting aims to unify perspectives, address key challenges, facilitate coordination among all stakeholders, and develop a shared vision. He stressed that the Ministry is committed to strengthening partnerships with all stakeholders, building mutual trust, and fostering complementary roles to enhance the effectiveness of social and humanitarian work.

H.E. the Minister further affirmed that the Ministry's work is guided by a people-centred approach that places human dignity and welfare at the forefront of its priorities, reflecting its responsibility to serve people, safeguard their dignity, and protect their rights without discrimination. He noted that this vision forms the foundation of the Ministry's policies and social programmes, while underscoring the importance of ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries and is used solely for the humanitarian purposes for which it was allocated, without being diverted to any activities or practices that may harm individuals or contravene humanitarian principles.

For his part, Mr. Obia Achieng commended the strategic direction adopted by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, affirming that it aligns with UNICEF's priorities and programmes in Yemen. He reaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to continuing its support for its government partners in developing the roadmap for implementing the Strategic Framework for Social Protection, finalizing its executive regulations, and supporting the implementation of the National Child Protection Plan, thereby strengthening social protection and child protection efforts across Yemen.