Yemen participates in the 77th session of the Executive Committee of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva.

Yemen Participates in the 77th Session of the UNHCR Executive Committee in Geneva

The Republic of Yemen participated today in the opening of the 77th session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The Yemeni delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Mustafa Noman.

Yemen’s Challenges with Displacement and Refugee Support

In his speech, Deputy Minister Noman highlighted that Yemen faces not only internal displacement but also hosts refugees, providing them protection for decades, even in the most challenging circumstances. He emphasized that Yemen continues to meet its commitments despite limited resources. However, the country struggles with the displacement of millions and a deep economic and humanitarian crisis that exceeds its capacity to manage alone.

Government Commitments and Policies

Noman outlined a series of commitments and policies presented by the Yemeni government aimed at developing the national legal framework for refugees. These include improving access to education, healthcare, social protection, livelihoods, civil documentation, durable solutions, and financial inclusion. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing these policies despite severe financial and economic conditions. He noted that burden-sharing represents a mutual obligation, yet none of these commitments have received corresponding international funding to date.

Appreciation for UNHCR Leadership

The Deputy Minister expressed Yemen’s appreciation for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Dr. Barham Salih, and supported his vision since assuming leadership of the agency. He particularly acknowledged Salih’s emphasis on sustainable solutions, shared responsibility, and strengthening partnerships with host countries and communities. Noman expressed hope for collaborative efforts to elevate this partnership to a more effective level for the benefit of refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities.

Current Situation in Yemen

Noman explained that Yemen’s participation occurs amid extremely difficult conditions faced by the Yemeni people. He noted the recent military escalation by Houthi militias, supported by the Iranian regime, which has displaced tens of thousands of citizens from their homes. This new wave of displacement adds to the suffering of millions who have endured years of conflict.

Commitment to Peace

The Yemeni government has consistently chosen the path of peace and has responsibly engaged in efforts to end the war. Noman stressed that true peace cannot be established through the imposition of facts on the ground by force. He warned that ongoing Houthi escalation undermines opportunities for achieving peace and stability, exacerbating civilian suffering and threatening the security of Yemen and the region. He asserted that the Yemeni people refuse to remain hostages to war or pawns in conflicts and agendas that do not serve their present or future.

Call for Action from UNHCR and Donors

Noman urged the UNHCR to play an active role in aligning Yemen’s commitments with those of donors and partners. He called for mobilizing technical, financial, and developmental support to implement these commitments before the humanitarian crisis worsens. Additionally, he urged donors and international development and financial institutions to invest in host communities and enhance the capacity of state institutions to provide protection and services.

Urgent Response Needed

The Deputy Minister called for an urgent response to protect displaced persons and support host communities while ensuring the continued protection of refugees and asylum seekers. He emphasized the need to shift from managing annual needs to sustainable solutions, recovery, and institutional building. Noman clarified that Yemen does not seek for the international community to replace its state but desires a genuine partnership that enables it to fulfill its responsibilities, protect Yemeni citizens and refugees, and assist the country in transitioning to peace, recovery, and restoring its institutions while maintaining its sovereignty.

UNHCR’s Acknowledgment of Yemen’s Situation

In his opening remarks, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Dr. Barham Salih addressed the situation in Yemen. He noted that the recent escalation in the country has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands and worsened the humanitarian suffering of millions affected by years of conflict. He highlighted recent attacks targeting airports in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, which resulted in twelve fatalities and over three hundred injuries. Salih stressed the need to end this dangerous escalation and make every effort to put an end to the conflict. He confirmed the UNHCR’s response to humanitarian emergencies extending from Yemen to East and the Horn of Africa.

Participants in the Session

The session also included the participation of the Director of the International Organizations and Conferences Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Muthana Al-Amri, and the First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Yemen to the United Nations in Geneva, Yahya Al-Rafiq.

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