Yemen has been embroiled in conflict for the better part of the last six years. Deteriorating economic conditions coupled with systemic failures in governance have exacerbated the conflict and left Yemenis without access to basic services, increasing grievances and deepening marginalization. From 2018 to 2020, the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD), PartnersGlobal, and PartnersYemen worked in communities across Yemen to strengthen connections between civil society, religious leaders, and government actors to address local needs. This paper from ICRD reflects on these efforts to engage communities and help them communicate local needs to decision-makers with an ability to impact national peace talks and agreements. The paper also provides actionable policy recommendations to the international community for supporting peace in Yemen at the local and national levels.
