Model UN Background Guide

Security Council

Topic: Yemen

Conference Year: 2025

Topic Background

The conflict in Yemen, often described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, began in earnest in 2014 when Houthi rebels, a Zaidi Shia-led movement from northern Yemen, seized the capital, Sana’a, and later declared themselves the new government. This prompted a military intervention in 2015 led by a Saudi Arabia–headed coalition supporting the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. The ensuing civil war has devastated Yemen’s infrastructure, economy, and civilian population.

Yemen’s strategic location on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical global shipping route, and its complex tribal, sectarian, and regional dynamics have made the conflict particularly intractable. The war has drawn in regional powers, exacerbated sectarian tensions, and created a proxy battleground involving Iran, accused of supporting the Houthis, and Saudi Arabia and the UAE backing the government and allied militias.

Despite numerous ceasefires and peace talks, including UN-led negotiations, the conflict remains unresolved as of 2025. The humanitarian situation is dire: millions face famine-like conditions, widespread cholera outbreaks, and displacement. The Security Council has the mandate to address threats to international peace and security, and Yemen’s conflict risks regional destabilization and maritime insecurity.

The topic is on the agenda this year due to recent escalations in hostilities, the collapse of previous ceasefire agreements, and growing international concern over the humanitarian catastrophe. Renewed diplomatic efforts, along with proposals to strengthen peacekeeping or monitoring mechanisms, are under consideration. Additionally, the Security Council must grapple with issues such as arms embargo enforcement, sanctions compliance, and the protection of civilians amid ongoing violations of international humanitarian law.

Key Actors

• Saudi Arabia: Leads the coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government; seeks to counter Iranian influence and restore Hadi’s government; concerned about border security and maritime routes.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Coalition member with significant influence over southern Yemen; supports local militias and has strategic interests in ports like Aden and Socotra.
• Iran: Allegedly provides support to the Houthi movement, including arms and training; denies direct involvement but is viewed by many as a key backer of the rebels.
• Houthi Movement (Ansar Allah): Controls large parts of northern Yemen, including Sana’a; opposes the Saudi-led coalition; accused of human rights violations and missile attacks on Saudi territory.
• Yemen’s internationally recognized government: Led by President Hadi (or successor), based in Aden; supported by the coalition and international community; struggles to assert control beyond southern Yemen.
• United Nations: Through the Special Envoy for Yemen and agencies like OCHA and UNICEF, coordinates humanitarian aid and peace efforts; leads mediation attempts.
• Security Council Permanent Members:
  • United States: Historically supported Saudi-led coalition but has shown increasing concern over humanitarian impact; advocates for peace negotiations.
  • Russia and China: Often emphasize sovereignty and non-interference; cautious about sanctions and military interventions.
  • France and the UK: Support coalition partners but face domestic pressure over arms sales; advocate for humanitarian access and political solution.

Bloc Positions

1. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Bloc (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar)

   • Support the internationally recognized government of Yemen.
   • Emphasize countering Iranian influence and restoring Yemen’s territorial integrity.
   • Advocate for lifting restrictions on coalition military operations and robust enforcement of arms embargoes on Houthis.
   • Stress the importance of security in maritime routes around Yemen.

2. Iran and Allies Bloc

   • Deny direct involvement but support the Houthis politically and materially.
   • Call for an end to foreign intervention and lifting of coalition airstrikes and blockades.
   • Emphasize Yemeni sovereignty and self-determination.
   • Oppose sanctions and military measures targeting the Houthis.

3. Western Democracies (United States, UK, France, Germany, EU members)

   • Advocate for a negotiated political settlement under UN auspices.
   • Call for humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and accountability for violations.
   • Support targeted sanctions and arms embargoes but face internal debates over arms sales to coalition members.
   • Promote ceasefires and confidence-building measures.

4. Non-Aligned and Developing Countries (e.g., South Africa, India, Brazil)

   • Emphasize humanitarian concerns over geopolitical rivalries.
   • Call for immediate cessation of hostilities and unhindered humanitarian access.
   • Support UN-led mediation without endorsing military intervention.
   • Advocate respect for international law and sovereignty.

Past UN Action

• Resolution 2216 (2015): Imposed an arms embargo on the Houthis and demanded their withdrawal from seized territories; authorized sanctions on individuals undermining peace.
• Resolution 2451 (2018): Called for immediate ceasefire and emphasized humanitarian access; supported UN-led peace talks.
• Resolution 2564 (2021): Renewed sanctions regime; condemned attacks on civilians and infrastructure; demanded full compliance with ceasefire agreements.
• Security Council Presidential Statements and Reports by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen: Regularly urge all parties to cease hostilities, engage in dialogue, and allow humanitarian operations.
• UN Panel of Experts Reports: Document violations of arms embargoes, human rights abuses, and obstruction of humanitarian aid.

Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. How can the Security Council strengthen enforcement of the arms embargo and sanctions regime to prevent illicit weapons flows?
2. What mechanisms can be established or enhanced to monitor compliance with ceasefires and reduce hostilities?
3. How can the Council ensure unimpeded humanitarian access across all conflict zones, including Houthi-held areas?
4. What measures can be implemented to protect civilians and critical infrastructure, including ports and hospitals?
5. How can the Security Council support and incentivize inclusive political negotiations involving all Yemeni stakeholders?
6. Should the Council consider the deployment of a peacekeeping or observer mission, and under what mandate?
7. How can regional actors be engaged constructively to reduce proxy conflict dynamics and promote stability?

Further Reading

• UN Documents: Official Security Council resolutions, reports by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, and periodic assessments by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) provide authoritative information on the conflict’s status, political developments, and humanitarian needs. These documents offer insight into the international legal framework and past Council decisions.

• Think-Tank Reports: Research from institutions such as the International Crisis Group, Chatham House, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) analyze the conflict’s geopolitical dimensions, arms flows, peace process prospects, and humanitarian impact. These reports provide detailed policy recommendations and conflict analysis.

• News Outlets and Investigative Journalism: Reputable international news organizations like Al Jazeera, BBC, Reuters, and The New York Times, alongside investigative platforms such as Bellingcat, offer ongoing coverage of military developments, human rights issues, and diplomatic efforts in Yemen. These sources help track real-time events and public perceptions.

This background guide aims to equip delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the Yemen conflict’s complexities, key stakeholders, and the Security Council’s role in seeking a peaceful resolution.