QATAR’S principled position on the crisis in Yemen is based on its belief in the rule of law and respect for human dignity and international laws. Qatar has been calling for a political solution to the crisis which has left tens of thousands of people dead and some 3.3 million displaced. Addressing the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly recently, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said the only way to resolve the crisis was through negotiation between the Yemenis in accordance with the outcomes of the National Dialogue, the Gulf initiative, and the relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly, resolution 2216. H H the Amir also reaffirmed Qatar’s firm position on the unity of Yemen and its territorial integrity, saying the raging war in Yemen was still demolishing the urban buildings in Yemen, wiping out the necessities of life, and threatening security in the region. The State of Qatar has also called on all Yemeni parties to give priority to the political solution and the achievement of the national reconciliation. Addressing the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Yemen at the 45th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva recently, Qatar’s envoy said: “We condemn all human rights violations and crimes committed against the Yemeni people, and we stress the importance of stopping the fighting and stopping interference by all countries without exception.” Qatar’s envoy also underlined that the rivalry between the Yemeni parties in light of the absence of any looming political solution, will only lead to more violations and crimes, and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis for the Yemeni people. He said approximately 80 percent of the population in Yemen was in need of humanitarian aid and protection, especially in light of the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. In its statement, Qatar stressed the importance of not politicising the humanitarian aid and using it as a weapon in the ongoing war in the country, continuing to make more efforts to alleviate the human suffering of the people of Yemen, and ensuring accountability of all those responsible for violations and crimes committed in Yemen. At the same time, Qatar has been engaged in providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict in Yemen, working along the UN agencies. In the latest initiative, Qatar Red Crescent Society and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs are providing shelter kits to 3,930 displaced families and cash assistance to another 1,700 families.
