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Learning from the Past, Leading in the Future. Round-table to discuss recommendations for EU policy on Yemen

Organised by Political Development Forum,

July 23rd2017, Sana'a

The Objectives of this round table meeting was to share policy recommendations with Yemeni stakeholders, and to get their findings and provide input to the policy recommendations.

The presented policy recommendations derived primarily from the findings of the case study titled "Assessing the EU's Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding Interventions in Yemen," (March 2017). The study was conducted by the Political Development Forum as part of the Whole-of-Society Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding (WOSCAP) project, using a combination of field research, including interviews with local and foreign stakeholders, and a review of the existing literature.

The recommendations discussed include:

  • Firstly, it focuses on the need for a more inclusive peace process. It is recommended the EU pushes for more meaningful representation of women and youth, and re-evaluates the balance of power on the ground in order to engage directly with the key local decision makers.
  • Secondly, it is recommended the EU plays a more prominent role in the peace process, coordinates more succinctly among its Member States to locate Yemen within EU policy and funding structures, and develops a stronger communications strategy.
  • Lastly, regarding direct support for communities in Yemen, it is recommended the EU balances immediate humanitarian aid with more sustainable livelihood and development interventions, and strengthens state institutions by prioritizing funding to local authorities.

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