Guterres, in Meeting with President Al-Alimi, Announces Additional Protective Measures for Aid Workers in Yemen

  New York

President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, President of the Presidential Leadership Council, met in New York with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. He was accompanied by Council members Aidarous Al-Zubaidi and Dr. Abdullah Al-Alimi.

During the meeting, President Al-Alimi praised the role of the United Nations and its Secretary-General in alleviating the humanitarian suffering of the Yemeni people and advancing efforts toward comprehensive and sustainable peace.

He reaffirmed the Council and government’s support for the UN’s efforts on all tracks. He also confirmed their commitment to a peace process based on agreed local, regional, and international references. In particular, he highlighted Security Council Resolution 2216 as the best roadmap to restore stability and achieve economic recovery in Yemen.

The President briefed the UN Secretary-General on the worsening economic and humanitarian situation, exacerbated by Houthi terrorist attacks supported by Iran against oil facilities and commercial vessels.

He also highlighted Houthi violations of human rights, including abductions and forced detentions targeting UN staff, civil society leaders, and diplomatic missions. He stressed the need for stronger international pressure to secure the release of all detainees immediately and unconditionally, the evacuation of UN premises, and the restoration of its assets. President Al-Alimi reiterated the government’s call to relocate the main offices of UN agencies and international NGOs to the interim capital, Aden. He welcomed the UN decision to move the office of the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator to Aden.

For his part, Secretary-General Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to working closely with the Council and government to support the Yemeni people and their aspirations for peace, security, and stability.

He also announced additional protective measures for humanitarian staff in Yemen, including relocating UN offices to Aden and limiting engagement with Houthi-controlled areas to a minimum, except for life-saving assistance.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Shayea Al-Zandani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ambassador Abdullah Al-Saadi, Yemen’s Permanent Representative to the UN and Major General Saleh Al-Maqaleh, Director of the Presidential Office.