“When we reach our homes, even if it is broken, we will fix it the most important thing is that we find security and stability.”

- Kudafa, a displaced Yemeni 

Welcome to a nation nestled at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, a gem of the Arabian Peninsula, which captivates with its rich tapestry of history and natural wealth. Blessed with abundant resources and adorned by its strategic location, Yemen emerges as a vibrant oasis of opportunity amid the windswept sands of time. 

However, delegates, it is this beautiful nation of Yemen that has been engaged in a civil war for over a decade. A majority of Yemen is under the control of the Houthis, a militia aligned with Iran. The Houthis aim to establish rule over all of Yemen, and are fighting "for things that all Yemenis crave: government accountability, the end to corruption, regular utilities, fair fuel prices, job opportunities for ordinary Yemenis and the end of Western influence". 

A few years ago, the Chinese brokered Saudi Arabian-Iranian deal led to the warming of Saudi and Iranian ties. As a result of this, talks between Houthis, the Iranian proxies in Yemen and Saudi Arabia were facilitated. At the end of the talks, both parties agreed to work along a UN-brokered roadmap for peace in Yemen. This included a commitment from the country's warring rivals to implement a nationwide cease-fire, pay for all public sector salaries, resuming oil exports, opening roads in Taiz and other parts of Yemen, and further easing restrictions on Sanaa Airport and Al Hudaydah port. However, progress in this was immediately frozen as the Houthis escalated their campaign of attacks in the Red Sea, in what they billed as an act of solidarity with Palestine.

It now appears that Saudi Arabia, with the support of the UN special envoy for Yemen, wants to press ahead with the roadmap, even though it could lead to large sums of money being handed to the Houthis. Leaders of the internationally recognised Aden-based government oppose this, saying any roadmap would have to be “recalibrated” for it to be acceptable to them. The US appears to be more amenable to the Saudis’ impatience for a Yemen deal, while UK officials favour a tougher approach with the Houthis on the basis that signing a peace deal beneficial to the Houthis is unjustifiable. Members of the secessionist Southern Transitional Council of Yemen are now more eager than ever to undermine the Riyadh Agreement and form a separate Southern state with the backing of the UAE. While united with the PLC in their agenda to diminish the Houthi influence over Yemen, the STC now sees the Western confrontation with the Houthis as a chance to garner more international support and showcase themselves as a better alternative to the current internationally recognised government. 

Delegates, we now lie at a precarious point. Before us lies one main question. Can a policy of appeasement towards the Houthis contribute to greater Middle Eastern stability? Or does it set a dangerous precedent in the world: that a demand made by an organization with significant leverage will be met with a positive response? 

As we delve into discussions about the possible answers to this question, it is imperative to acknowledge the diverse array of stakeholders involved, including regional powers, international organizations and local factions. Each entity brings its own interests, perspectives and proposed solutions to the table. Understanding these dynamics and fostering constructive dialogue will be crucial in charting a path towards peace, stability and humanitarian relief for the people of Yemen.