Social Affairs Minister stresses the need for UN humanitarian programs to evolve into sustainable projects.

Transition from Emergency Aid to Sustainable Development

Dr. Mohammed Al-Zaouri, the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, emphasized the critical need for transitioning emergency humanitarian programs led by international organizations to sustainable development projects. These projects aim to meet the people’s needs and support vulnerable groups facing the economic challenges left by the war initiated by the Houthi militias over a decade ago. The minister highlighted this during a meeting in Aden, the temporary capital, with UNOCHA’s Yemen Office Director, Marcus Farny.

Government Support for International Organizations

Al-Zaouri reiterated the legitimate government’s support for the programs of international organizations operating in the country, offering all necessary technical and logistical facilities. He pointed out that the economic and living conditions have worsened due to the militias targeting oil facilities, export ports, and international shipping lanes in the Red Sea. These actions have weakened the life-saving food supply chains across Yemen.

Calls for Relocation and Local Empowerment

The minister renewed calls for relocating the headquarters of international organizations to Aden and urged the empowerment of local civil society institutions. He emphasized the need for support and capacity building to enable these institutions to perform their humanitarian roles more effectively. This follows the outcomes of a roundtable discussion held in Aden to deliberate on Yemen’s humanitarian response plan.

Challenges in Aid Distribution

Al-Zaouri pointed out that the delivery of grants and financial aid to Sana’a has weakened humanitarian activities in areas under both the legitimate government and militia control. This is due to restrictions imposed on aid flow and obstacles to reaching the intended beneficiaries. He called on the United Nations to take a firm stance against threats to its staff by the Houthi militias.

UNOCHA’s Commitment to Solutions

On his part, Marcus Farny, Director of UNOCHA in Yemen, affirmed the office’s commitment to finding solutions for UN staff facing violations by the Houthi militias. He also mentioned efforts to relocate the organizations’ headquarters to Aden to operate under the internationally recognized legitimate government’s supervision. Farny highlighted the ongoing efforts to encourage donors to support developmental projects and provide humanitarian aid across all Yemeni provinces.

This development underscores the urgent need for a shift towards sustainable projects to address the long-term needs of Yemen’s population amidst ongoing humanitarian challenges.

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