Topic: The Situation in Yemen
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Tammy Danh
School: Grand Rapids City High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Switzerland position papers GLIMUN 2017 committees
Conflicts in Yemen have had devastating impacts on people, leading to one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation aims to relieve the effects of the conflict through assistance in water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as the protection of civilians in Yemen. Keeping in mind that Yemen was already the poorest country in the Middle East prior to the conflict in 2015, Switzerland is setting examples of aiding the civilians and urges other countries to follow in our steps. Switzerland is alarmed by the casualties from the conflict in Yemen especially the death of more than 5,200 civilians from UN reports. Keeping in mind that the war of attrition has only increased the casualties of civilians, Switzerland condemns the widespread bombing of civilian areas from the Saudi intervention and urges countries to work towards a peaceful agreement. In addition, lack of access to fresh water is the biggest cause of malnutrition, morbidity and mortality in rural areas. The conflict that started in March 2015 has exacerbated the situation, leaving almost 19 million people in need. As a contracting party to the Geneva Conventions, Switzerland works to ensure the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. International humanitarian law limits the conduct of armed conflicts. The goal is to protect civilians and ensure that they can continue to exercise their rights. Switzerland works at the multilateral level to strengthen mechanisms for the effective protection of the civilian population. Switzerland’s humanitarian assistance not only addresses immediate needs, but also works on the sustainable use of limited water resources. We support multilateral organisations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and international NGOs to improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit specialists are deployed to transfer skills on water management, prevention of waterborne-diseases and sustainable use of water. Switzerland seeks to protect women, children and other vulnerable groups in the midst of the war. People in Yemen suffer from the indiscriminate use of weapons that do not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Cluster munitions, drones and landmines have caused disproportionate loss of civilian life and property. The involvement of other states has become increasingly unnecessary. Saudi Arabia has led devastating attacks against the Houthis while Iran has assisted the Houthis in retaliation. In addition, the U.S supports the Saudi Arabia bombings in Yemen as opposed to the Soviets who are covertly advocating for the Houthis by televising the attacks. Switzerland recommends the involved states to withdraw their military involvement in Yemen and instead provide aid to the civilians who are at the center of the war. Switzerland has set this example by supporting the access to protection services for women, young people and internally displaced people, including shelter, counselling and health services. Switzerland continues to call on all parties to comply with international humanitarian law.
