A Positive Step Towards Resuming Negotiations to End the Suffering of Millions of Yemenis
In a statement today, Mwatana for Human Rights welcomed the announcement by the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, regarding the agreement reached by Yemeni parties to implement several de-escalation measures concerning the banking sector and Yemen Airways. Mwatana also welcomed the UN Envoy’s offer to facilitate communication with authorities in Jordan, Egypt, and India to resume flights to and from Sana’a Airport, which had been suspended following the "Airplane Crisis." The organization affirmed its support for the UN Evoy Office’s readiness to work with both parties to implement the agreed measures and called on all parties to address the issues of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, and the release of civilians across Yemen.
Radhya Al-Mutawakel, Chairperson of Mwatana for Human Rights, stated, "The agreed points are crucial in resolving various aspects of the Yemeni crisis, which escalated following decisions related to the banking sector, resulting in reciprocal reactions from both sides. These reactions could have had catastrophic consequences for millions of Yemenis in both the South and the North, especially given the current situation burdened by nearly nine years of war and destruction." Al-Mutawakel added, "Working towards de-escalation and preventing a new round of war, while opening and enhancing negotiation channels to find comprehensive solutions to all issues, is neither a victory nor a defeat for any party. It is a responsible step that prioritizes the interests of all Yemenis." She urged all parties to "shoulder their historical responsibility and choose the path of just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace for Yemen."
UN Envoy Hans Grundberg announced in a statement earlier today, Tuesday, July 23, that he had received a written agreement from the conflicting parties: the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group and the internationally recognized government. This agreement includes key points that have been sources of conflict and escalation in recent times. It will serve as a basis for resuming negotiations that began on June 30 in Muscat, Oman, under the UN’s auspices. The agreement entails revoking recent decisions and measures against banks by both sides, halting similar future actions, resuming Yemenia Airways flights between Sana’a and Jordan, increasing the number of flights to three daily or as needed, and holding meetings to address the administrative, technical, and financial challenges faced by the airline. Additionally, the agreed points include starting meetings to discuss all economic and humanitarian issues based on a "roadmap," with the UN playing a supportive role in implementing the agreements.
Mwatana for Human Rights has expressed optimism about the potential for resuming negotiations between Yemeni parties, which could lead to a final, comprehensive, and long-term resolution. This optimism is particularly strong following the announcement of an agreement designed to remove obstacles that have caused concern for millions of Yemenis, who have become victims trapped in the ongoing conflict. The new agreement, announced by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Yemen, addresses points that were previously significant stumbling blocks in the negotiation process. It offers a glimmer of hope that negotiations will regain momentum based on the progress made during the latest rounds of Yemeni negotiations, which began on June 30, 2024, in Muscat, Oman, under the auspices of the UN Envoy and the International Committee of the Red Cross. These negotiations had previously encountered temporary setbacks due to issues related to banking decisions and aviation.
Mwatana urged all conflict parties in Yemen to positively engage with the UN Envoy's efforts to overcome obstacles towards finding a comprehensive and final solution. This solution should bridge the growing rifts between parties and avoid any escalatory steps that could adversely affect the lives, interests, and future of millions of Yemenis, who should be the foremost priority without compromise or delay.
