Seyaj President Ahmed Al-Qurashi said that stopping the war and establishing a lasting peace is the path to ending the suffering of Yemenis, especially vulnerable groups such as children and women, and to achieving stability for Yemen and the wider region.
During a meeting with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the regional humanitarian coordinator for Yemen and Syria, Al-Qurashi stressed that the peace Yemen needs must deliver justice, redress for victims and their families, strengthen the rule of law and state institutions, and support the transition toward reconstruction, development, self-recovery, human rights protection, and accountability for those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
He also praised the long-standing Dutch role in supporting development and human rights in Yemen, while urging the Dutch delegation to reconsider how national organizations are selected as partners so that local actors receive genuine priority in funding and in the implementation of relief, protection, and development projects.
For his part, the ambassador affirmed his government’s commitment to continue alleviating the suffering caused by the war and to support peace and development efforts in Yemen, noting that national civil society organizations are essential partners in the humanitarian, development, and human rights programs supported by the Dutch government.
The regional humanitarian coordinator explained that the purpose of the visit was to listen to the views and proposals of Yemeni civil society organizations regarding humanitarian aid and to work with all parties to ensure greater benefit for people affected by war and displacement.
The Director General of Social Affairs in Marib also highlighted the continuing suffering of more than three million displaced people in the governorate because of the shortage of humanitarian aid and the threats to their safety caused by shelling, anti-personnel mines, and other dangers affecting children, women, and civilians among both residents and displaced communities.
A number of leaders of rights and relief organizations also presented observations and proposals, particularly concerning the criteria used to select and support local organizations, which they said have long deprived the majority of national organizations of partnership opportunities and international support.
Yemen – Marib, 22 February 2023.
