Houthis behind Yemeni woes: UAE

Geneva - The militia were also creating disruptions in the efforts of the Arab Coalition Forces to alleviate suffering of the Yemeni people.

The United Arab Emirates has expressed serious concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Yemen as a result of flagrant violations and abuses of human rights by Houthi militias who were also creating disruptions in the efforts of the Arab Coalition Forces to alleviate suffering of the Yemeni people.
Speaking at the 37th edition of the Human Rights Council, UAE Permanent Representative to the UN and International Organisations in Geneva, Obaid Salem Al Zaabi, said the UAE aligns itself with the Arab Group's statement and extended thanks to the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights for her comprehensive overview on the human rights status in a number of Arab countries, including Yemen.
"The UAE is directing central importance to the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, and since the onset of the crisis the UAE has provided more than $2.73 billion in aid to ease the suffering of the Yemeni people.
"This aid has been funnelled to establish sustainable projects in areas of health, education, security, public utilities, infrastructure and rehabilitation of services," Al Zaabi explained.
"The UAE has rebuilt 1,400 schools and 650 medical centres that had been destroyed by the Houthi militias in addition to pledging $500 million in response to the UN 2018 Plan on Yemen. The UAE will provide an additional amount of $70 million to overhaul ports and airports in Yemen," he noted, pointing to the establishment of an aid operation bureau by the UAE in Yemen to liaison with international aid agencies working in the country to meet the needs of those living in the crisis-stricken areas.
Al Zaabi underlined the importance of forging a political solution to the crisis in Yemen in line with constitutional legitimacy.
"A political solution must be reached to maintain Yemen's unity and respect its sovereignty and independence. This solution must be based on clear referential terms which are provided by the Gulf Initiative on Yemen, the Yemen's National Dialogue and relevant international resolutions, including Security Council Resolution No 2216," he added, reiterating the UAE support for the efforts of the international envoy on Yemen in his endeavours to reach a comprehensive settlement to the crisis.

• MENA