UAE reiterates importance of commitment to support legitimacy in Yemen, preserve its unity.

The UAE has reiterated its commitment to uphold the constitutional legitimacy of Yemen while preserving its unity, respecting its sovereignty and independence and refusing to interfere in its internal affairs.

The country has highlighted the need for a political solution to the issue based on a Gulf Cooperation Council, GCC, initiative, the outcomes of the Yemeni National Dialogue and various international resolutions, including the Security Council Resolution 2216.

This came in a speech, which was delivered by Ambassador Obaid Salem Al Zaabi, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations, UN, and other International Organisations in Geneva, while addressing the 36th session of the Human Rights Council on Yemen.

He announced that the UAE supports the statement of the Arab Group while thanking the High Commissioner for his presentation on several issues, including the human rights situation in Yemen.

He added that the UAE also supports the efforts of the UN’s envoy to seek a political settlement to the Yemeni crisis among all segments of the Yemeni people while highlighting its position on certain UN proposals, including a series of political and security measures, and the components of a comprehensive agreement that should be settled in the negotiations.

Al Zaabi further stressed that the quest for security and peace in Yemen should not be overshadowed by what is happening on a humanitarian level, as some areas of Yemen are witnessing a serious deterioration of their humanitarian situation.

The UAE has urgently responded by providing over US$1 billion in 2016 to ease the suffering of the Yemeni people while announcing a humanitarian donation of $100 million during the pledging conference that was held in Geneva on 25th April this year, as well as the establishment of a humanitarian assistance office in Yemen, to ensure the smooth provision of relief and humanitarian aid to Yemenis.