The European Commission has granted €7.5 million for two assistance projects in Yemen. The projects will support the Government and NGO partnership for the promotion and protection of human rights in Yemen and the sustainable development of its fishery sector. They are part of the Commission’s 2005-2006 strategy for Yemen that focuses on poverty reduction and strengthening of pluralism and democracy.
“I welcome and encourage Yemeni efforts to progress towards democratisation, respect for human rights and the rule of law and its engagement in fighting terrorism. It is important for Yemen to live up to the expectations of the international community. The successful implementation of foreign assistance needs stability, predictability, transparency and confidence,” Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood policy said. She added: “I look forward to acceleration of the reform process. We stand ready to help and to support Yemen’s on-going reforms and to tackle the serious problems affecting the country security and wide-spread poverty.”
Supporting Government and NGO partnerships for the promotion and protection of human rights
The project aims to strengthen the capacity of civil society and public authorities to protect and promote human rights and democracy. It will finance targeted training activities and institutional support, encourage the development of consultation mechanisms between government and civil society organisations, and fund small human rights projects with civil society actors.
