Topic: The Situation in Yemen
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Madeline Jones
School: Fishers High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Japan position papers GLIMUN 2017 committees
Japan would like to express its continued support of a ceasefire in Yemen and humanitarian aid. We are seeking strong ties with European and US donor countries in democratization, counter-terrorism measures, and poverty reduction.
After an increased deterioration of the situation in Yemen following March 2015, near 17 million people (60% of the population) need food aid (2017 IPC report). The problem is so serious and widespread that seven out of the twenty-two prefectures are classified as emergency status, one step away from famine. Japan has supported a multitude of humanitarian projects including the Official Development Assistance Program as of Heisei 29 and the Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition Improvement Plan as of Heisei 28 with a 500 million and 7900 million yen grant limit respectively.
The economic situation in Yemen is also dire. Public debt in 2014 increased 17.3% from 2014-2015. The foreign exchange reserves have also declined, which gives concern for the economic situation deteriorating further and creating further domestic confusion. This is of great concern for Japan, as trade with Yemen encompasses 89.148 billion yen in imports and 46.333 billion yen in exports. Japan gives its full support and understanding for Yemen's current economic distress. To aid cooperation Japan has issued 70.18 billion yen in grant aid, 104.39 billion yen as a result of technical cooperation, and 608.49 billion yen in loan assistance to the nation.
Japan encourages the government of Yemen to take positive action towards a ceasefire. We recognize no military solution, and a needed cooperation between Yemen forces to stabilize the situations. Japan urges this continued dialogue of Yemish forces and will continue aid and support efforts of the UN Special Envoy Ismail. It is in the national interest of Japan to continue cooperation and proactively engage in humanitarian assistance.
