Model UN Background Guide

Committee: Security Council

Topic: Yemen

Conference Year: 2026

Topic Background

The conflict in Yemen, often described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, began in earnest in 2014 when Houthi rebels seized control of the capital, Sana’a, and later expanded their control over large parts of northern Yemen. The internationally recognized government, led by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, was forced into exile. In 2015, a Saudi Arabia-led coalition intervened militarily to restore the government, further intensifying the conflict. The war has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, widespread destruction, and the displacement of millions, with millions more facing famine and disease.

Despite numerous ceasefires and peace talks mediated by the UN, the conflict remains unresolved in 2026. Recent developments, including shifting alliances, continued Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and the fragile state of the Yemeni government, have kept the issue on the Security Council’s agenda. The humanitarian situation has worsened due to blockades, economic collapse, and the COVID-19 pandemic's lingering effects. The Security Council continues to grapple with how to effectively support a political settlement, address violations of international humanitarian law, and facilitate humanitarian access.

The Yemen conflict is now further complicated by regional rivalries, proxy dynamics, and the presence of extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and ISIS affiliates. The Security Council’s role remains crucial in maintaining international peace and security, preventing further destabilization of the Arabian Peninsula, and addressing the dire humanitarian needs.

Key Actors

States

• Saudi Arabia: Leads the coalition supporting the Yemeni government. Concerned with border security and countering Iranian influence.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Coalition member with strategic interests in southern Yemen, including support for local militias and ports.
• Iran: Supports the Houthi movement politically and reportedly militarily, viewed by Riyadh and its allies as a key destabilizing actor.
• Yemen’s internationally recognized government: Seeks restoration of control and territorial integrity; faces internal divisions and limited governance capacity.
• Houthi Movement (Ansar Allah): Controls large parts of northern Yemen; opposes the Saudi-led coalition and government forces; accused of human rights abuses.
• United States: Provides logistical and intelligence support to the Saudi-led coalition but has increasingly pushed for de-escalation and humanitarian access.
• United Kingdom and France: Arms suppliers to coalition members; face domestic and international pressure regarding their role in the conflict.

International Organizations

• United Nations: Particularly the Office of the Special Envoy for Yemen (OSESGY), coordinates peace talks and humanitarian efforts.
• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): Provides humanitarian assistance and monitors international humanitarian law compliance.
• World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF: Lead agencies providing food aid and essential services to millions of Yemenis.
• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Regional bloc with interests in stabilizing Yemen and managing spillover effects.

Bloc Positions

1. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Bloc

Includes Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. This bloc strongly supports the internationally recognized government and opposes the Houthis, whom they view as Iranian proxies. They emphasize counterterrorism, border security, and restoring Yemen’s sovereignty under the Hadi government. They tend to resist calls for immediate ceasefires without conditions and prioritize military and political pressure on the Houthis.

2. Western Powers

Led by the United States, United Kingdom, and France. These countries balance support for the Saudi-led coalition with growing concerns about civilian casualties and humanitarian access. They advocate for a negotiated political settlement and have increasingly called for arms embargoes or restrictions on parties violating international law. They emphasize counterterrorism efforts against AQAP and ISIS in Yemen.

3. Iran and Allies

Iran denies direct military involvement but politically and materially supports the Houthis. It calls for lifting blockades and sanctions that affect Yemen’s population and supports negotiations that recognize Houthi political participation. Iran’s allies in the Security Council often push back against measures seen as punitive toward the Houthis.

4. Non-Aligned and Humanitarian-Focused States

Countries such as Norway, Switzerland, and some African states prioritize humanitarian access, civilian protection, and adherence to international humanitarian law. They advocate for immediate ceasefires, humanitarian corridors, and increased UN involvement in monitoring and peacebuilding. They often call for independent investigations into violations and emphasize the need for inclusive political dialogue.

Past UN Action

• Resolution 2216 (2015): Imposed an arms embargo on the Houthis, demanded their withdrawal from seized areas, and supported the Hadi government.
• Resolution 2451 (2018): Called for a ceasefire and humanitarian access amid escalating conflict.
• Resolution 2534 (2020): Extended the mandate of the Panel of Experts monitoring sanctions and arms embargoes.
• Resolution 2624 (2022): Emphasized the importance of humanitarian aid, condemned attacks on civilians, and urged parties to engage in peace talks.
• Various reports by the UN Panel of Experts on Yemen documenting violations of the arms embargo, use of child soldiers, and attacks on civilians.
• Multiple Security Council meetings and presidential statements urging ceasefires and supporting the Special Envoy’s mediation efforts.

Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. How can the Security Council effectively support a sustainable ceasefire and political dialogue that includes all Yemeni stakeholders?
2. What measures should be taken to ensure unhindered humanitarian access and the protection of civilians, including in blockaded areas?
3. Should the Security Council consider revising or expanding sanctions and arms embargoes to better enforce compliance and accountability?
4. How can the Council address regional interference and proxy dynamics that exacerbate the conflict?
5. What role should the UN and other international actors play in monitoring human rights and international humanitarian law violations?
6. How can the Security Council support efforts to counter extremist groups like AQAP and ISIS without undermining peace efforts?
7. What mechanisms can be established or strengthened to facilitate reconstruction, economic stabilization, and the safe return of displaced persons?

Further Reading

• UN Documents: Official Security Council resolutions, reports by the Secretary-General on Yemen, and updates from the Office of the Special Envoy for Yemen provide authoritative information on the conflict’s status, international legal frameworks, and peace efforts. These documents offer insight into the UN’s evolving approach and mandates.

• Think-Tank Reports: Research and policy analysis from institutions such as the International Crisis Group, Chatham House, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies provide in-depth assessments of Yemen’s political dynamics, regional involvement, humanitarian challenges, and conflict resolution prospects. These sources offer nuanced perspectives and policy recommendations.

• News Outlets: Reputable international news agencies like Al Jazeera, BBC, Reuters, and The New York Times provide ongoing coverage of military developments, diplomatic efforts, and humanitarian situations on the ground. These sources help track real-time changes and public sentiment related to the conflict.

This background guide aims to equip delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the Yemen conflict’s complexities as they prepare to negotiate in the Security Council in 2026. The situation remains fluid, requiring balanced consideration of political, humanitarian, and security dimensions.