top of page
  • Writer's pictureHanna Sähka

AL JAZEERA: Delegation of Yemen:“I believe that our government is doing something good”

Author: Evelina Hassanova

The photo is illustrative


The delegate representing Yemen in the UN Development Program took part in writing a resolution in their committee, while facing a difficult situation in his home country. In yesterday's caucuses the delegate brought to light the issues and interests of their country, in an attempt to reach a consensus and formulate a resolution on the conflict over a food shortage in Yemen. However, it turned out to be much harder than it looked at first glance. Our representative from Al Jazeera news agency sat down for an interview with the delegate to find out his opinions about food security in Yemen and sustainable food systems as well.


Tell me about the situation around food security in Yemen right now. How is food delivered to the people of that country if the only port is now destroyed?


Actually, that is a good question. It is now a huge problem. As you mentioned before Yemen is a mountainous country, and we do have problems with food delivery during the on-going civil war. I believe that our government is doing something good with that.


I know that we are using mostly cars and helicopters, and as you may know it is still a problem: with the cars the issue is that the roads are blocked so no aid or food can be delivered to people, and helicopters are shot down. Additionally, helicopters are expensive, and they are easy to destroy. Despite that, helicopters deliver food much faster and can hold much more food at one time than a car, so we take the risks and that helps.


Are there any delegates that you would consider your allies or friends in UNDP?

I am not sure about that. I know that some countries support us in our situation, but in our committee there are also enemies of the cause. In my mind, Switzerland and Chad support us, while others don’t. I know that the United Kingdom supports us too but the delegate is not with us this session.


You were talking about how the Yemeni government doesn’t have resources for food and water because of the civil war. In your opinion, how can the UN assist Yemen during the civil war?


I think that they can continue to help us in the same way as they are doing now. It is of course through humanitarian aid, because people are starving and all the money of the government is going towards supporting the army so as not to lose in this situation. For now, maybe the best way is to invest in our farming industry, while being supported by humanitarian aid like food. We also have to deal with the aforementioned issues in delivering that aid.


How is the committee work going now? Do you think you will be able to achieve an overall result by the end of today?



Quite well I think. Work is in progress but I feel that it will take some more time to make something good out of this. I want to believe that we can achieve a result, but the situation is harder than we thought, so I would not be surprised, if it takes more time than expected.


52 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All
Post: Blog2_Post
bottom of page