Yemen Pleads for Global Assistance to Curb Houthi-Led Humanitarian Catastrophe

Yemen Pleads for Global Assistance to Curb Houthi-Led Humanitarian Catastrophe

In a poignant address at the Sustainable Development Goals Summit on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly meetings, Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) President Rashad al-Alimi sounded an urgent call to the international community. He highlighted the devastating impact of Houthi-led conflict on Yemen’s development and humanitarian efforts over the past nine years. Alimi urged for increased global pressure to compel the Houthi rebels towards peace and emphasized the need to prevent the politicization of humanitarian concerns.

Yemen’s Developmental Setback: Houthi-Imposed Havoc

Alimi stressed that Yemen’s progress and achievements spanning decades have been obliterated since the Houthi coup in the country. The prolonged conflict, now in its ninth year, has drastically shifted developmental priorities, primarily due to disruptions in the oil sector caused by Houthi attacks on export ports and shipping lanes. The cessation of oil exports for a year has severely impacted the nation’s economy, diverting focus and resources from development initiatives.

Houthi-Led Humanitarian Crisis: A Staggering Toll on Yemen

Alimi emphasized the dire humanitarian crisis exacerbating due to Houthi actions. The war has not only strained developmental efforts but has also hindered humanitarian aid, resulting in the resurgence of deadly diseases. The Houthi rebels have impeded the delivery of life-saving vaccines to their territories, contributing to a decline in public health.

(Read Also: UN-Led Ceasefire in Yemen Expires, But Fighting Subsides Amidst Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts)

Plea for Peace: Alimi’s Diplomatic Endeavors

Alimi seized the UN General Assembly platform to seek international support and involvement to push for peace in Yemen. He held significant meetings with key stakeholders, including US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, to discuss the evolving situation in Yemen. Alimi acknowledged the commendable mediation efforts by Saudi Arabia and Oman to renew the truce and initiate a comprehensive political process under the UN’s auspices.

(Read Also: Houthi Rebels Return from Saudi Talks, Signaling Potential Shift Towards Peace in Yemen)

Rebuilding Yemen: International Collaboration

The Yemeni official also highlighted the pressing need for international assistance in rebuilding Yemen. He stressed the importance of support in reinstating state institutions, law enforcement agencies, counterterrorism efforts, and organized crime authorities to counter security threats in collaboration with regional and international allies. Alimi lauded Saudi Arabia for its crucial support in stabilizing Yemen’s economic and service sectors.