Not so long ago, most people had large families: five children, on average. Where once there was one global fertility rate, today there are many, with differences wider than at any point in human history. Family size, whether small or large, is intertwined with reproductive rights, which are tied to many other rights, such as those to health and education, adequate income, the freedom to make choices, and non-discrimination. Where all rights are realized, people tend to thrive.

Through its 118 Women and Girls Safe Spaces, 132 primary healthcare facilities, and 26 youth centers, UNFPA continues to provide essential reproductive health and gender-based violence services to women, girls, men and boys impacted by the Syria crisis.

The impact of cyclone ‘Mekunu’ on Yemen’s eastern mainland, after it had made landfall in the Sultanate of Oman on 26 May, has been limited. Minor damage has been reported to infrastructure in the districts of Hawf and Shahan of Al Maharah Governorate. Two ships reportedly sank in Al Gaydah and the cycolone damaged agricultural equipment. Meanwhile, assessments and relief efforts continue on the island of Socotra. On 27 May, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported that seven people have died and eight are still missing due to the cyclone.

Key Issues:

Libya has witnessed unprecedented youth momentum in terms of size and proportion, which presents a unique opportunity to invest in peace and development efforts. This is all the more true that the profiles of the new generation in terms of education, health, vitality and other characteristics are outstanding, both for males and females, and far superior to those of the previous ones.

As of the end of March 2018, UNFPA’s response in Yemen, has reached nearly 24,000 people with reproductive health services and services for some 4,000 survivors of gender-based violence. With increased donor support, plans are underway to expand UNFPA’s presence at the governorate and district level in the north and south of the country.

UNFPA Syria is on the ground to meet the dire needs and to respond to the rapidly changing situation in the Afrin and East Ghouta area. Throughout the ongoing humanitarian emergencies in Syria, UNFPA and its partners continue to provide integrated Reproductive Health (RH) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services including family planning supplies and counselling, gynecological consultations, ultrasound diagnostics, antenatal care including supplements, post-natal care, psychosocial support and referral for deliveries and comprehensive emergency obstetric and neonatal care.