Yemeni Minister for Planning and International Cooperation Najib Ouj on Tuesday slammed Iran-backed Houthi militias for hindering humanitarian relief, saying that their abuses are stopping aid from reaching needy Yemenis.
Ouj, however, also noted that difficulties linked to poor transparency and mismanagement also challenge the work of humanitarian organizations in Yemen.
The minister’s remarks were made during a meeting with EU Ambassador to Yemen Hans Grundberg, official sources reported.
Ouj and Grundberg discussed preparations for an upcoming meeting for senior humanitarian officials focused on Yemen.
The two-day meeting, hosted by the EU and the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to take place on November 12.
Appreciating European support, Ouj added that the EU plays a key and effective role in empowering the political process, humanitarian response and development in Yemen.
He said that the Yemeni government is actively seeking more cooperation to strengthen political dialogue, trade and economic cooperation.
In a videoconference call, Ouj briefed Grundberg about challenges facing humanitarian relief work in his country, and emphasized on the harmful Houthi restrictions impeding aid delivery to vulnerable groups.
Inadequate mapping of the humanitarian situation and poor transparency within UN agencies and international NGOs, according to Ouj, are also factors inhibiting humanitarian relief operations in Yemen.
The minister criticized some organizations for failing to effectively merge relief work with development efforts.
This is a link that must be established according to an agreed response plan designed to assist in overcoming economic and social repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic. The plan is focused on peacebuilding, job creation and economic support.
More so, Ouj pointed out that limiting implementation of the response plan to international NGOs weakens Yemen’s national institutions and private sector.
Grundberg, for his part, talked about EU coordination with Sweden to arrange with donors worldwide for the upcoming humanitarian conference.
The ambassador indicated that the meeting is significant for discussing key issues particularly restrictions on aid work that impact humanitarian projects and their implementation.
