Yemen Engages with UN High Commissioner to Tackle Growing Humanitarian Challenges

Strengthening Humanitarian Cooperation

Today, Yemen’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Dr. Ali Majour, held a significant meeting with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Dr. Barham Salih. The primary focus was to explore avenues for enhancing partnership and coordination in response to the escalating humanitarian challenges facing Yemen.

Official Message from the Yemeni Leadership

At the outset of the meeting, Dr. Majour conveyed greetings from Yemen’s political leadership. He presented an official message from Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Sha’if Mohsen Al-Zandani, congratulating Dr. Salih on his recent appointment. The message underscored the Yemeni government’s dedication to strengthening collaboration with the UNHCR and extended an invitation for Dr. Salih to visit Yemen at the earliest opportunity. This visit aims to assess the conditions of refugees and host communities while exploring further avenues for cooperation.

Addressing Increasing Humanitarian Challenges

The official message highlighted the urgent need for developing partnerships that support both refugees and the communities hosting them. It called for enhanced programs aimed at finding sustainable solutions, in line with the principles of the Global Compact on Refugees, and improving humanitarian and developmental responses in Yemen.

During the discussions, Dr. Majour provided a comprehensive overview of the humanitarian situation in Yemen. He noted the compounded difficulties stemming from internal displacement, refugee crises, and irregular migration, which have placed immense pressure on essential services and infrastructure amid a widening funding gap.

Dr. Majour reaffirmed the Yemeni government’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations, including pledges made at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum. He emphasized ongoing efforts to integrate refugees into public services, develop legislative frameworks, and transition towards sustainable solutions that foster self-reliance.

He further advocated for a strategic shift from an emergency response approach to long-term partnerships based on shared responsibilities. Dr. Majour called for increased international funding, enhanced livelihood programs, institutional capacity building, and improved registration and protection systems in collaboration with national authorities.

Response from the High Commissioner

In response, High Commissioner Salih expressed gratitude for the official message and welcomed the invitation to visit Yemen. He acknowledged that such a visit would offer a vital opportunity to observe firsthand the challenges confronting the nation.

Furthermore, he reaffirmed the UNHCR’s commitment to continue supporting Yemen and enhancing cooperation with the Yemeni government. This collaboration aims to establish a more effective and sustainable response, commending the government’s efforts despite the prevailing challenges.