Division 1 Background

The current conflict in Yemen has resulted in a widespread humanitarian crisis, and has left approximately 75 % of the population (22,2 million people) in need of assistance. The impediments on commercial imports to Yemen have led to a severe lack of basic items, a surge in the prices of available goods, an increase of the black market and of smuggling networks.

In order to address the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, the continuation of regular commercial cargo flows into the country is essential. UN Security Council resolution 2216 (2015) mandates UN Member States to take necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer from or through their territories or by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare parts for the abovementioned, to certain individuals and entities to be designated by the Committee set up pursuant to that resolution. In order to facilitate the unimpeded flow of commercial items to Yemen, the UN has been requested by the Government of Yemen to provide a monitoring and inspection service that ensures that commercial cargo entering Yemen's territorial waters is compliant with UNSCR 2216 (2015).

In December 2015, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) was requested to operationalise and manage a mechanism to oversee the monitoring and inspection services on behalf of the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), the Government of Yemen, and the UN Member States concerned in order to facilitate the unimpeded flow of commercial items to areas of Yemen not under the control of the Government of Yemen. UNVIM became operational on 5 May 2016.

Following the November 2017 restrictions imposed by the Coalition on shipping to the north of Yemen, UNVIM conducted discussions with donors and external partners, as well as with the Coalition. The proposal for UNVIM's extension from April 2018 to March 2019 reflected the content of these discussions on strengthening its capacity, allaying concerns regarding the smuggling of weapons on board commercial vessels and reducing delays to commercial shipping.

UNVIM operates currently in Djibouti with 4 Monitors, 4 Inspectors, 4 EDD Teams, 13 Management/Technical staff and up to 7 United Kingdom secondees as well as in Jeddah (KSA) with 2 Monitors. Discussions are ongoing to expand UNVIM monitoring activities in King Abdullah Port (KSA), Salalah and Sohar (Oman) and Dubai (UAE) ports.

The EU has consistently stressed the importance of the effective and timely processing of commercial shipping and has supported the continuation of UNVIM and the unhindered implementation of its mandate. Any form of EU support for the continuation of UNVIM should therefore be seen in the perspective of improving the efficiency of the mechanism in order to increase the ability for operators and states to deliver commercial items to the Yemeni population. As recognised in the Council Conclusions of April 2017, the full support of the Coalition and the Government of Yemen is needed in order for UNVIM to operate effectively and at full capacity. Furthermore, any EU activities should also be seen in the framework of the broader EU commitment towards a political solution to the conflict, in full support of the efforts of the UN Special Envoy.