Topic: The Situation in Yemen
Country: Portugal
Delegate Name: Trucy Phan
School: Williamston High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Portugal position papers GLIMUN 2017 committees
The crisis in Yemen has been an ongoing issue for not only surrounding Arab countries, but along with UN nations around the globe. Ranked at 168th out of 188th for human development, Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the Middle East today. The country’s economy and infrastructure has been in shambles as a direct result of the unresolved war. Tensions began to arise back during the time former Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh agreed to turn over leadership to Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. This political transition, back in 2011, was supposed to assist the country on improving its stability and development. Unfortunately, Mr. Hadi had struggled with numerous problems, which include dealing with the Houthi movement, which favors Yemen’s Zaidi Shia Muslim minority. The Houthis had already been rebelling against Mr. Saleh during his time in office, and when the country appointed a new president, the group took advantage of his weaknesses by taking control of the northern Saada province. The war between forces that remained loyal to President Hadi and the opposing Houthi Rebels has led Yemen into a humanitarian and political crisis. The United Nations must determine any legal action that can be taken in order to disperse this conflict and negotiate peace between the government and the rebels. Portugal has an interest in contributing to efforts to help bring peace and stability in the Middle East. Portuguese Foreign Minister, Augusto Santos Silva stated to President Reuven Rivlin of Israel that events that occur in the Middle East affects the global community, and Europe in particular. Portugal has publicly said that the government plans on helping secure Israel on their issues, which will then impact on Arab lands in the Middle East. Portugal believes in the principle of democracy and human rights. Portugal would like to propose to resolve this conflict by gathering an assembly of nations that would be willing to peacefully intervene in the issue with Yemen and urge for a negotiation between the two opposing sides. Portugal’s main focus pushes world leaders to do what they can for the people in Yemen, who are suffering from much food insecurity and a wide range of serious diseases. Portugal believes that the first step that must be taken to resolve this issue is to ensure access to food, fuel and medical supplies for the people which can be done by re-opening air and sea routes, that were previously closed. Portugal wants to emphasize the importance of making sure that, in line with the Arms Trade Treaty, no other country decides to send arms and military support to any side of the conflict. Countries that Portugal expects to work with include Singapore, the United States, Djibouti, and the United Kingdom.
