Topic: 2024-Situation in Yemen
Country: Albania
Delegate Name: Adilyn Petros
While the Middle East has been the scene of conflict for much of the UN’s history, the nearly decade-long conflict in Yemen has been exacerbated by war in Ukraine and now Israel.
The Yemeni economy is facing extraordinary challenges – they have lost 90 billion dollars in economic output and hundreds of thousands have lost their jobs, while more than half of the population lives in extreme poverty. The country’s humanitarian crisis is said to be among the worst in the world, due to widespread hunger, disease, and attacks on civilians.
Tensions eased and humanitarian conditions improved with a UN-mediated cease-fire in 2022, but the combatants failed to renew the deal after six months. The UN Refugee Agency currently has many provisions and services to help Yemen, including providing security information to combat COVID and cholera, financial assistance for displaced people, and protection services for women and children. Protective packaging, carpets, plastic sheets and hygiene items are also distributed.
Albania notes the benefits of another truce, and urges all to not waste this window of hope. We voice concern over the volatile security situation in Yemen, as well as the reports that the Houthis have blocked oil and essential goods. Albania condemns all restrictions on the freedom of movement of female relief workers, and also calls for full accountability for violations of children’s rights and the mistreatment of religious minorities.
It must be pointed out that women and children continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. Children are being recruited by armed groups, and every two hours, a Yemeni woman dies in childbirth due to a lack of services. The parties must be reminded of their obligations to respect international and human rights laws. To echo concerns about the lack of a political process, we commend the Special Envoy for their ongoing efforts, adding that women must be involved in all activities at all levels.
While peace is on the horizon, that prospect is fragile, so we call on all parties to accelerate their efforts towards sustained peace.
