The Prime Minister meets with the UN Resident Coordinator in Yemen.

Prime Minister Receives UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Aden

On Monday, Prime Minister Salem Saleh bin Brek welcomed Julian Harnis, the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, in the temporary capital of Aden. The two discussed the evolving humanitarian and developmental situation in Yemen, particularly in light of declining international funding. They also reviewed existing and future partnership programs coordinated with the government, focusing on urgent priorities.

Humanitarian Violations and UN Operations

The meeting addressed the increasing violations by Houthi militias against humanitarian efforts. These violations include the ongoing abduction of several UN staff members. Additionally, they discussed plans to relocate remaining UN agency offices to Aden. The conversation also highlighted opportunities to transition from emergency relief interventions to more sustainable developmental support, alongside efforts to bolster the economic recovery plan.

Government Priorities Amid Economic Challenges

Prime Minister bin Brek outlined the government’s plans and priorities in response to current challenges, particularly in economic and service sectors. He emphasized the potential role of the UN and Yemen’s partners in alleviating citizens’ suffering, including stabilizing the national currency. He pointed out the systematic economic warfare waged by Houthi militias, which targets oil export ports as part of their strategy to weaken the government’s ability to provide essential services and exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis. He stressed the urgent need for international support to help the government tackle these challenges, acknowledging the assistance provided by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Commitment to UN Operations in Yemen

The Prime Minister affirmed that the Yemeni government is doing everything possible to facilitate UN operations and ensure the continuity of humanitarian, relief, and developmental work from Aden. He noted that the presence of some UN agencies in areas controlled by Houthi militias poses risks to the safety of personnel and serves as a cover for increasing violations against humanitarian efforts.

Urgent Need for Enhanced Partnerships

He also highlighted the serious repercussions of declining humanitarian and developmental funding at a time when living conditions and services are deteriorating. The Prime Minister called for strengthening the partnership between the government and the UN to address these growing challenges. He reiterated the government’s commitment to facilitating the work of UN agencies and organizations, directing international support toward economic recovery, service improvement, and food security.

UN Official Acknowledges Cooperation

In response, the UN official expressed appreciation for the existing cooperation with the Yemeni government. He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to protecting its staff and enhancing its presence in Aden to ensure the continuity of humanitarian work in a safe environment.

Meeting Attendees

The meeting included the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Waed Badhieb, and the Director of the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Ali Atbosh.

This article highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen and the collaborative efforts between the Yemeni government and the United Nations to address pressing challenges.

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