War in Yemen and the Latest Saudi Arabia Peace Initiative: CD4Peace Calls for the Prioritization of Humanitarian Assistance

On March 22, 2021, Saudi Arabia announced a Peace initiative for Yemen. The initiative included the following proposals: a ceasefire under the supervision of the United Nations, depositing taxes and customs revenue from ships carrying oil to Hodeidah port into a joint account of the central bank of Yemen, a limited reopening of Sanaa International Airport, and the start of national consultations under the umbrella of the United Nations.

Yemen's internationally recognized government in exile in Saudi Arabia has welcomed the offer and Ansar Allah (the Houthi movement) has rejected it. The disagreement is based on the differences between Saudi Arabia and Houthi stances: the Kingdom is requiring the ceasefire to come before any economic and humanitarian assistance, whereas Ansar Allah is looking forward to ending the blockade first.

Yet, the violence has continued on the ground and more than 20 million Yemenis are in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the UNHCR. On March 26, 2021 CD4Peace has expressed in a statement its deep concerns on the situation and has called for strict respect of the life and rights of the people of Yemen.

CD4Peace

Cultural Diversity and Sustainable Development for Peace