The Deputy Foreign Minister discusses the humanitarian crisis and displacement waves in Yemen with the High Commissioner.

Deputy Foreign Minister Discusses Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Mustafa Noman, met today in Geneva, Switzerland, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Dr. Barham Salih. They discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation, the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and the developments regarding internal displacement due to the military escalation by the Houthi militia.

Humanitarian Situation in Yemen

During the meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the 77th session of the Executive Committee of the UNHCR, the Deputy Minister reviewed the latest humanitarian conditions in Yemen. He pointed out that the recent military escalation by the Houthi militia has intensified the suffering of civilians and exacerbated waves of displacement. He noted that the number of internally displaced persons has surpassed five million, with approximately one million new displacements occurring in recent months. Additionally, he highlighted the ongoing siege imposed by the militia on the city of Taiz.

Economic Burdens and Challenges

Noman addressed the significant economic burdens faced by the state, emphasizing the depletion of its limited resources due to the ongoing war. He criticized the militia’s obstinacy and its rejection of peace efforts, as well as its exploitation of state resources and available channels to import and manufacture weapons, recruit children, and exert pressure on the population.

Commitment to Humanitarian Efforts

The Deputy Minister reaffirmed the Yemeni government’s commitment to facilitating and expediting humanitarian response efforts through relevant agencies and institutions in the temporary capital, Aden.

UNHCR’s Commitment to Yemen

In response, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees expressed the agency’s concern regarding the humanitarian implications of the Yemeni crisis on a regional level. He emphasized the need to intensify the UNHCR’s field presence and collaborate with the Yemeni government to address the existing humanitarian challenges.

Future Plans for UNHCR in Yemen

The High Commissioner indicated plans to proceed with the nomination and appointment of a new representative to lead the UNHCR office in Yemen. This move aims to strengthen partnership and direct coordination with government authorities. He also expressed his intention to visit Yemen soon to assess the humanitarian needs firsthand, support response efforts, and maintain communication with various regional and international partners to mobilize necessary support for Yemen.

Attendees at the Meeting

The meeting included the Director of International Organizations and Conferences at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Muthana Al-Amiri, the Refugee and Displaced Persons Officer at the Permanent Mission of Yemen in Geneva, First Secretary Yahya Al-Rafiq, and the Director of the Middle East and North Africa Division at the UNHCR, Rima Jamous.

To follow the news in Arabic