BACKGROUND GUIDE - ISLAMIC SUMMIT OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR ISLAMIC COOPERATION

MONUA 2018 #resettingthelimit #resettingthelimit Index Secretary General

Welcome letters 04 Dear Delegates,

From the Secretary General 04 It is our pleasure to welcome you to the Seventh Version of Universidad de los Andes’ Model Conference, MONUA 2018. My From the Under- name is Camilo Torres Casanova, Law major with a minor in International Secretary General for Studies and Art History from the same institution, and Secretary-General Regional Bodies 05 for this edition. Along with Juan Camilo Romero, Undersecretary General and Economics and History major, it has been a pleasure for us, From the Dais 06 along with coordinators, USG’s and dais, to design the challenge you will experience during the next days. Topic: The Yemeni Crisis 08 By coming to MONUA, you have decided to make part of a new trend in the international MUN circuit: the redefinition of excellence. Being Historical background 12 that so, during the upcoming sessions you will debate, negotiate and be challenged to give your best. Every single participant of this edition Current situation 14 of MONUA will have to face the paradigm of that which makes them outstanding and to venture into what becomes necessary to actually be Timeline of events 17 exceptional.

Members to the Part of this experience will be getting to know yourselves and, without Summit 19 any doubt, the resetting of limits. That expression, our official motto for this edition of MONUA, has been a mandate for each and every Main actors 19 member of our team, in terms of setting the bar regarding academic excellence, logistic innovation and the construction of a conference Bloc positions 20 that will continue to be a leader in the region and an unlimited source of surprises and challenges for those who make part of it. Without Procedure 20 any further ado, it is left for us to tell you that your challenge is to go Interconnection further, pushing the bar beyond the limits you know, and rediscover of the Islamic yourselves as more capable, more committed and without any doubt, Summit with other more integral persons than those who came in at the beginning of this committees at edition of MONUA. MONUA 2018 21 Enjoy what’s coming, because from now on we’re resetting the limit, QARMAS 22

Research suggestions 23

References 23

Camilo Torres Casanova Juan Camilo Romero Secretary General Under-Secretary General

4 Under-Secretary General for Regional Bodies

Dear delegates,

Be welcome to the Seventh Version of Universidad de los Andes’ Model United Nations conference, MONUA 2018. My name is Juan Pablo Carbonell Muñoz, Law and Economics student. I am 19 years old and I’m currently on my fourth semester here at Universidad de Los Andes. For this edition, I have the immense pleasure of participating as Undersecretary General for Regional Bodies. This position gave me the possibility of building, along with 10 marvelous and prepared people, an experience characterized for being innovative and excellent.

Regarding the MONUA experience, I can only say that it represents one of the most special experiences one can have in the MUN world. Excellency and innovation seem to be the categories under which any secretariat would classify their conference. However, MONUA, takes the next step from words to action. As a matter of fact, this conference builds on the delegates and collaborates on their personal development. Within it, the main motivation for the organizing team is the delegate’s intersubjective experience, in which all available assets and support are given for him/her to learn and enjoy the experience in the most convenient way possible. Being that so, you shall find in MONUA 2018 innovative and integral dynamics to make ofyour experience a field of opportunity at your disposal. It is worth noting that this USG won’t be an exception to that rule and that is why we will provide the most complete and ideal dynamics for international institutional development. Along with it, and thanks to our innovative interconnection methods, we shall bring the most realistic global experience in terms of global governance. This will yield a competitive, yet incredibly educational, experience for your academic as well as your personal lives. We are looking forward to making part of your process and to share with you in this challenge called MONUA 2018.

Juan Pablo Carbonell Muñoz Undersecretary General for Regional Bodies

5 DAIS

Dear delegates,

My name is Isabella Mejía, I am a 6th semester law student at Universidad de los Andes and I will have the honor to be your Dais during this version of MONUA. I started MUN when I was only 11 years old, since then, I have participated in several models, including HNMUN 2017 and 2018. I believe these experiences are the ones that have shaped my personality and improved my abilities, not to mention the number of friends I owe them.

Aside from this, my interests are pretty much simple: fashion, travel and food. I consider myself a person that is willing to experience new things every day. Whenever it comes to meeting new people, trying a new restaurant or listening to new music, I am the first one in. In my spare-time I enjoy spending time with my friends, watching Netflix and scrolling down on my Facebook timeline while looking for the latest global news and Tasty recipes. Nonetheless, I tend to be a lot more serious when it comes to committee sessions, reason why I appreciate and, also, expect a complete preparation from each one of you, that will hopefully lead to an exciting committee flow with tons of negotiation.

Furthermore, in a more academic level, I consider myself a feminist and very much appreciate topics of international law and international cooperation. Also, I find very interesting the tackling of issues that infringe sovereignty and the solutions that come with them. This goes with the fact that I really enjoy the proposal of complete, well-executed and plausible solutions within the committee, always accompanied by the ability of the delegate to sell them and persuade the audience. This being said, I very much look forward to meeting all of you and enjoying the experience MONUA has in store for us!

If you have any questions, do not hesitate on writing to my email.

Isabella Mejía Sierra Dais, Islamic Summit of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation

6 DAIS

Honorable delegates,

It is my honor to welcome you to MONUA 2018. In this edition, it will be my pleasure to be part of this Model as your Dais. My name is María Esther Eljach, and I am seventh semester Law student at Universidad de los Andes. I was born in Cartagena, Colombia, fact that will become notorious since I consider myself to have a very “Caribbean personality”. With this comes my passion for dancing and music which have become part of my methods of stress relief.

Moreover, my academic interests revolve around private law. In addition, international economic law becomes very appealing and has been revolving as a possible future pursue in the upcoming stages of my career. I consider myself as a dedicated and curious student, that is why perhaps I have always been involved in multiple activities.

My passion for Models of United Nations started as a sixth grader in school, therefore I can say that much of my life has been touched by these experiences, and have influenced who I am today. In each Model, it has been clear that specificity of the content and the realistic and feasible solutions are an undeniable factor that stands out a delegate from another. Furthermore, I recently attended HNMUN 2018 and I am pleased to recognize there is not anything compared to the growth a Model provides to each delegate. Definitely, this is the scenario where you must challenge yourselves and prove your skills and abilities. As your dais, I will be more than pleased with watching you all enjoy the experience and proof yourselves what you are capable of.

That is why we expect nothing less than a notorious preparation and dedication to each of the committee’s topics, proving a wide knowledge that allows the proposing of outstanding solutions. With nothing further to address, Welcome to MONUA 2018!

María Esther Eljach Alvear Dais, Islamic Summit of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation

7 TOPIC:

THE YEMENI CRISIS

8 Introduction Y main causes the Houthi movementtookarms Houthi main causesthe insurgentsupport onthis group. Amongstthe Iranian alleged the times, stated, on multiple Yemeni the Aswell, was killed. governmenthas leader Houthis’ Uprisings began,onwhichthe fromand discrimination government. the government.Theyclaimedmarginalizationthe heldarmsanddeclaredin 2004,they waron country(BusinessInsider,in the 2017).However, preachedmovement that peaceandtolerance Allah, as Ansar 1990sasatheological has itsorigins in the known officially movement, Saada province andneighboring areas. This take control of heartland northern onthe to lackofstability took advantageofthe movement Houthi contextthe It wasinthis countrywasexperimenting. food insecuritythe Saleh, Mr. unemploymentand corruption, despite the supported firmly that population wasnotenough,thereAs ifthis wasstill territory. national the andsecurityof stability national triggering the south, movementinthe Qaeda andaseparatist when suffered byAl attacks multiple deputy. ThistookplaceonNovember2011, his leaving powertoAbdRabbuMansourHadi, regimeauthoritarian Saleh, Abdullah leadbyAli onthe uprising pressuredthe that out longtime the roots its has failure followed that transition of political the conflict The others. of the hastaken ofplentyanddestroyedlife ofmillions lives the that 2015 since conflict armed Arab Region.Ithasbeendevastatedbyan emen is one of the poorestemen isoneofthe countriesinthe time toacthascome time The aid. ceasefire, and screama help citizens for spreadingdiseases countrywithout overthe all andwith of aid.Numbersspeakforthemselves, disaster, inneed population leaving70%ofthe hascausedahumanitarian coalition by the As 2017). blockadeimposed wasnot enough, the if this International, (Amnesty 2015 March and42,000injuredhave beenkilled since people 76,000 than more crossfire, this During revealing ofaStateasfragileglass. andthe ofdeaths hascausedthousands that stoppingofawar uponthe faces achallenge were inwhichinstitutions nation fragilealready, hasbeendevelopingsince2004.Yemen,that a government havegrown into aterriblecivilwar andthe Houthis encounters betweenthe matter,As afurther ongoingmilitary the on March country 2015. the flee to Hadi Mr. forced security forces loyaltoMr. Saleh(ex-president) Moreover, pressure military the bythe applied month. following cityport,the Aden, asouthern house arrest. However, president the escapedto andhiscabinetwhereHadi surrounded under takeoverwasreinforced.the Mr. Evenso,that block the capital Sana’a, in 2014. In January 2015, unitedto towhomthey Houthis support onthe actors insociety.for multiple These, found a The results were transition ofthe notsatisfactory recurrent lastdecade. onthe and government the armed forces have been forces Houthis armed encountersbetweenthe accountability, etc.The endofcorruption, the government prices, oil fair for fight the include: 9 9 These advantages include most importantly the city of Aden, located on the eastern approach of the Red Context of Sea. Besides this, the city of Aden was once the place of oil exploitation, controlled by British Petroleum until 1978. In that sense, the city of Aden also known as the Port of Aden, besides it’s touristic attractive has some the Region rich and incomparable resources that turn it into a very important Yemeni asset.

In first instance, it is clear that the United Arab Emirates exercises an important influence on the dynamics of Yemen’s internal conflict. This, due to the fact that The Arab region has been characterized by its history the UAE, heightened by the fact that the Houthis had into a very culture- oriented politics and a delicate an important military victory last September (2017), political and cultural order. The Yemeni crisis, must augmented the tension between the Sunni Gulf Arab therefore be analyzed under the scope of the regional monarchies and local Shi’ite movements. Therefore, actors that have influenced the conflict and may as sees the Houthi insurgency as a straight well suffer the indirect repercussions from it. To do extension of Tehran’s influence. this, it is imperative to first recognize that the social movements in Yemen move in a parallel way with In response to these events, a coalition led by Saudi ethnic and religious lines. In this sense, the different Arabia and formed by other Arab States, launched interactions and relations that happen in the internal the Operation Decisive Storm in March. political, social and ideological scopes of the country, provided a very important and heavy equipment. have caused internal racks and divisions. Concerning the other States of the Gulf, their imports could be catalogued as symbolic compared to the In addition, it is clear that religious, tribal and regional armament and human import afforded by Saudi Arabia. affiliations are determining factors to mobilize society and sometimes even organize it. Moreover, Yemen However, as in war anything is perfect, and everything counts with a heavily armed society, in which culture is unpredictable, the conditions changed when the instructs in the use of weapons even from a very early United Arab Emirates stepped into a more important stage. role in the coalition, by sending a military brigade, with armed vehicles and weaponry into the city of Aden. As Bearing this in mind, Yemen becomes a very conflicted well, Qatar has sent approximately a thousand soldiers. neighbor that, nonetheless, can become very attractive to external actors, due to the strategic location of the In this sense, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar country and the advantage its physical conditions give are consolidating a much important intervention him. Therefore, it is clear that the situation in Yemen by sending a broader and more expansive military is no secret to none of the surrounding neighbors. In resource into combatting the Houthis and loyalists of that sense, the conflict has started to have important former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh, taking repercussions on a regional level. Therefore, the themselves closer to the epicenter of the conflict. The Iranians and the Saudis have tried to reach proximities effects of this intervention were evidenced the 4th in Yemen. All along, it can be said that the similar of September when the Houthis and their allies fired religious practices in these two countries could have a Soviet-era missile at an ammunition depot located been a place to find a common ground and approach in the province of Marib, leading to the catastrophic the conflict in a similar sense. Nevertheless, the political outcome of 45 Emirati deaths. interests of each nation seem to overshadow these very important similarities, due to the never-ending armed In response to the attack which was the deadliest conflicts that take place in the region. since 1971, Abu Dhabi gave a strong retaliation: “the heaviest air strikes that Sana’a has endured” (Yemeni To understand, in a holistic manner the tensions official). In addition, The Crown prince of Abu Dhabi in the region, it is imperative to comprehend the (Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan) expressed geographical boundaries that separate and, why not, that his country’s military “is determined to liberate unite them. Yemen is located on a region known as Yemen and flush out the scum”. the Middle East, on the Persian Gulf. It limits with countries such as Saudi Arabia and Oman. Yemen, as well has access to the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, giving it some attractive geographical standings.

10 THE OIC IN THE ISSUE:

As it has been evidenced, the Arab region is being The OIC has insisted on the peaceful resolution highly involved in the conflict taking place in Yemeni of the conflict, insisting upon a Conference that territory. The second largest organization after the would enable these talks. Over the course of United Nations, must surely be interested in the recent history, the OIC remained involved on resolution of the armed crossfire that has taken the several conflicts developing on the Islamic World. lives of many Arab citizens across the country. Among those are: Jordon-PLO conflict (1970), Pakistan-Bangladesh conflict (1971-74), Iran- With this being said, the OIC has constituted a conflict (1980-88), Senegal-Mauritanian conflict Contact Group on the situation in Yemen. The last (1989), Iraq-Kuwait conflict (1990-91) and Afghan meeting held by this special Group, on September civil war (1989 till to date); however, it failed to 2017, renewed a strong commitment to support amicably resolve any of the above. the unity, sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity for Yemen. As well, it utterly To address the conflict in hand it is imperative to expressed the necessity for the constitutional understand as well that the Muslim world can be legitimacy, represented by the H.E President Abdu divided in two main sub entities: Shia and Sunnis, Rabhu Mnsour Hadi. In addition, the meeting present in Saudi Arabia and Iran respectively. proposed the implementation of a GCC (Gulf Therefore, each support the populations of their Cooperation Council) initiative; to arrive to a common school of thought. The Yemeni conflict viewed as solution in which dialogue is the main mean by the intervention a foreign State for the cooperation which the confrontations must come to an end. This, of the restoration of an overturned government, considering that the GCC has repeatedly proposed poses a challenge for the Muslim community since a much-needed peace process on Yemeni soil. In this it can become a new object of internal divisions. sense, the meeting emphasized on the Resolutions of the Security Council. The members present in the meeting, also restated their commitment to the UNSC Resolution 2216 (2015) which called on the Houthies to withdraw their forces. Under article 7 of the UN Charter, the meeting also banned the provision of arms to this group. The three organizations, the OIC, The League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council were mentioned concerning the resolutions taken on the matter.

On the other hand, the Meeting expressed appreciation and gratitude to the State of Kuwait and its people for hosting peace talks under the sponsorship of the United Nations. Additionally, The Meeting emphasized on the matter of State sovereignty and condemned the efforts and sacrifices of the United Arab Emirates, whose contributions have rose to 8.6 Billion UAE Dirhams.

11 12

Historical Background his residence andsetupa Republic. al-Mansur. However, aweeklater, rebels shelled proclaimed of title ImanandKing andtookthe inhissleep.Furthermore,died al-Badrwas happened ruling due to Ahmed’s last (the Imam) Yemen.South Shia Zaydi Theconclusionofthis ofAden,whatisknowntodayas occupation British independence,despitethe their period,Yementhis succeededinmaintaining Yemen.Shia StateinSadah,northern During imams, 1962. until Its rule a established Zaydi Yemen was ruled for a by Shia millennium Zaydi Yemeni situation. in order comprehend toholistically current the ahistoricalbackgroundlines, beprovided will following Arabia.Onthe supported by Saudi This Non-StateActor, ledacounterattack afterlife. rewards onthe beliefs who basetheir ofthe areShia. TheZydi Shiadivision aminorityofthe intoSunniand Islamiccommunityisdivided the before, Shiamovement.Asmentioned a Zydi government by armed the forces of Houthies, the of itshistory, overthrowing duetothe ofits Y emen faces one of its most critical episodes emen facesoneofitsmostcritical damage toinfrastructure. andincalculable lives exceeded 200thousand (Orkaby, war 2014). Thedamagescausedbythis equipment” weaponry andcommunications royalistagents supplied vital with soldiers troops, pilotsandintelligence whileIsraeli and coordinate royalist fighting against Egyptian andFrench“British mercenaries actedtotrain were armed made the force.to all withdraw efforts diplomatic period,multiple During this in1968. intervention from SovietUnionandevendirect the military republicansside, the received economicaid conflict, the royalist the supporting of other armies.Onthe side same the on were Arabia United the Kingdom, Iran, Israel and Saudi inhistorywhich onlytimes was oneofthe a civilwarfrom war, 1962to 1968. Duringthis territory.in the Moreover, Yemen wentthrough Nasser’s Yemen inaneffort position ofmaintainingtheir encouraged powers (’s president) of occupation continued both 1965, In region. Northern of the embraced arelationship oilmonarchy the with UnitedStates’strategy hand,the other the westernpartofYemen.of Hodeidahinthe On Port ofthe construction wasthe actions these realpolitik Includedin strategiccalculations. inYemenAmerican policy basedin wasmostly 1960’s sense,duringthe In that Sovietand the Badr to secure intereststheir in Arabia. Saudi al- with alliances Egypt hadbeencultivating crowned USSRand prince(priorto1962),the recently ofthe periodofruling During the

In 1970, Yemen continued under the control of Even more, analysts have concluded that the the al- Badr and the Hamid al –Din family. In Yemeni branch of Al Qaeda is stronger than it that period, Saudi Arabia (one of the principal has ever been (Crisis group, 2017; Foreign Policy, opponents of the Sana’a regime) recognized 2016). Its thrive started within the chaos of the the Yemen Arab Republic. This caused the new State, and has grown within the present United Kingdom as well for example, to follow crisis undergoing in Yemen. this path. The current crisis began specifically in 2011, The State of Yemen, as known today, was formed when Ali Abdullah Saleh’s government in 1990 when the South People’s Democratic was directly opposed by a revolution. In Republic of Yemen, supported by the USSR, consequence, Salleh left the office in early 2012 united with the North U.S and Saudi backed as part of a mediated agreement between the Yemeni Arab Republic. The leader of the new Yemeni government and opposition groups. In country was Ali Abdullah Saleh, who had ruled his replacement, rose the Northern region since 1978. However, it was to the power with the struggle to unite the very clear that this unity posed numerous challenges rough political landscape. As if it wasn’t enough, for the new central government which had to the pressure posed by Al Qaeda and Houthi struggle in the maintenance of the new and militants have enhanced the insurgencies in the unified Yemeni State. North for years. Indeed, in 2014 Houthi militants seized over the capital Sana’a and forced Hadi Despite the unification, Saleh’s government to negotiate a unified politic with other factions was constantly questioned and Abdullah of the political scope of Yemen. Due to the Saleh’s rule seemed as not enough to keep pressure implemented on Hadi, the former the country together. These hypotheses were president resigned along with his ministers posed and empowered by Al-Hirak, a political in January 2015. Not long after, the following movement originally founded in the South who month Houthis declared themselves in control felt marginalized since the unification of both of the government dissolving the Parliament. regions into a State. This movement rebelled in 1994, and since that moment, has held an important pressure for more autonomy within Yemen. As well, the presence of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, along with the Ansar al Sharia insurgent group, occupied an important territory in the south. This context, implied, for Al Qaeda, the opportunity for expansion in the southern territory. In the midst of this, the armed non-state group, took advantage and made important conquers in this territory.

13 Yemen is still in the midst of this conflict International Intervention and is now facing not only its climax but also showing dramatic consequences. Several parties on an international scope have Nowadays, the conflict develops as supported the different actors in the internal follows: conflict. On one hand, Iran has committed to the al Houthi movement in an attempt to expand the Shia axis (Financial Times, n.d.). Political Situation and Civil War This, through the financial and military aid the country has provided to the rebel group (BBC, Since the uprisings in the Arab Spring, 2017). On the other hand, supporting Sunni Yemen’s political affairs have become a topic Yemeni leader Hadi is Saudi Arabia, which has of uncertainty and insecurity. A transition intervened with an air campaign against the al government was established and the Houthi movement. In addition to Saudi Arabia, parliament was dissolved (BBC, 2017). In the United States has reportedly funded the replacement, the al Houthi movement –Shiite previously mentioned state in its attempts rebel group which supports then-president to consolidate Hadi’s government while also Saleh– installed a five–member Presidential providing intelligence and in-air refueling Council in Sana’a that would serve as an (Human Rights Watch, 2017). Also supporting interim government, representing the north Saudi Arabia is the United Kingdom and the and central Yemen (Al Jazeera, 2015). As for United Arab Emirates providing technical the south, which seemed to support Hadi’s support and military help respectively (ibid). government for a unified Yemen, now shows a As for the United Nations, the Security Council position against it. It created the “Transitional has developed resolutions revolving the crisis Political Council” in May 2017, which further (further review resolutions 2216, 2266 and 2436) divides the government, creating yet another and has stated that “the parties have to commit institution parallel to the yemeni state (Critical to…start discussions for a comprehensive Threats, 2017). This only sets another obstacle agreement” (Security Council, n.d.). To achieve for Hadi’s aim to unify Yemen, as his weak this, the UN has sent a Special Envoy to Yemen constituency in the country does not favor the in order to tackle the crisis, issue reports and attempts of the consolidation of a recognized promote peace efforts through negotiation central government, carried alongside the (OSESGY, n.d.). United States (ibid). Non-State Actors

Parallel to the civil war, fragmentation and intervention in the State, Terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda (AQAP) and ISIS have taken advantage of the situation to conduct numerous suicides and other bombings, contributing to the number of deceased civilians (HRW, 2017). This has caused countries such as the United States and the UAE to militarily intervene in the attacks of such terrorist groups with troops and drone strikes.

Main issues of concern

All the situations stated above lead to 5 main issues that the committee should assess and tackle depending on the importance the Current Current Situation summit gives to each case.

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State fragility Terrorism and Counterterrorism

As the Head of State faces little acceptance and the While facing internal conflict and rebellious weak consolidation of a government, the Yemeni groups, Yemen also confronts ISIS and AQAP, nation faces hard times of political instability. terrorist groups that, while pursuing the spread Due to the continuing civil war, efforts in unifying of religious norms, kill hundreds of civilians. Since Yemen seem to be lost as its fragmentation grows this is happening in the midst of institutional exponentially. Therefore, it is the job of the summit weakness, the committee must determine if the to find a way in which the public infrastructure of Arab countries should be enabled to intervene, Yemen suits the needs of its people and answers as this is an issue that can possibly exceed the the complaints of its nation. For this, it is important frontiers to the country and develop into a to state the role of the summit in such instance and transnational threat. Additionally, as Yemen cannot whether should it intervene in a country’s political direct its forces solely to combatting terrorism, can affairs, or not. the international community act upon the issue?

Sovereignty and Foreign Intervention Accountability

Since the first intromission of Saudi Arabia in the NGOs such as the Human Rights Watch (HRW) conflict, Yemen has encountered itself with many alongside the UN have documented and reported enemies throughout the world who support the several violations by all parties of the laws-of- conflict taking place in the country. Of course, even war. Nevertheless, the organ appointed by the though there are supporters of rebel groups, there Saudi-led coalition to lead investigations, the are also nations who fight for Hadi’s government, JIAT (Joint Incidents Assessment Team), has also causing life-losing chaos. In an addition to this, issued reports that differ completely from those intervention does not only take place as a way of made by the first mentioned institutions (Ibid). In combatting a civil war but of controlling a possible September 2016, “the UN Human Rights Council transnational threat – terrorism. The question that passed a resolution laying out two complementary must be raised here is if that is reason enough for processes for investigations, through the OHCHR a country to enter its military forces into another itself, strengthened by the allocation of additional one. Furthermore, does the fragility of a state and its human rights experts, and through the Yemeni institutions bend the concept of sovereignty enough National Commission with OHCHR support.” for a country to be legitimated in the meddling of its Yet, as the Yemeni National Commission also military in another nation’s conflict? seems to fail, a question rises if there should be an international mechanism of investigation that could carry the processes alleged by parties in order to maintain all sides accountable for their actions.

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Humanitarian Crisis

The most affected in this conflict is the people. Thirdly, women have been victims of the conflict Landmines, indiscriminate attacks, air strikes and and have also suffered severe discrimination due terrorism have led to thousands of casualties, to the ineffective government. Since before the leading to a growing number of 10.000 civilians conflict even started, Yemeni women had been killed and 40.000 injured (Independent, 2017). subjects of human rights violations. For instance, Even though the direct conflict and violence is “they cannot marry without the permission of the first factor to influence those numbers, their their male guardian and do not have equal rights consequences have aggravated the situation to divorce, inheritance, or child custody. Lack of into such extent in which the humanitarian crisis legal protection leaves them exposed to domestic on Yemen is a global focus of concern. Firstly, and sexual violence” (HRW, 2017). Although these attacks on healthcare services and restrictions are problems that should be tackled immediately, to humanitarian aid have been presented in the only the government can undergo policies for country. Considering the high level of injured the guarantee of gender equality, something people and those in need of help, this is an issue that cannot be done while there is no clear state that puts into risk the most vulnerable population presence. and prevents civilians from surviving the conflict as parties to it have either struck hospitals and medical As a fourth consequence and grave issue, famine facilities or restricted critical relief supplies from has become a national threat. The United Nations reaching noncombatants. According to OHCHR, as has reported that this will be the largest famine of 2016, over 600 health facilities have closed due to the world has ever seen, with numbers of victims damage caused by the conflict, shortage of critical overpassing the previous shortages faced by South supplies and lack of health workers. Additionally, and (Al Jazeera, 2017). This famine humanitarian agencies and aid workers have been has been caused by many factors apart from the denied access and unlawfully detained respectively. above mentioned: inflated food and fuel prices, the blockade of humanitarian aid provision and the Secondly, children have been clear victims in the outbreak of a cholera epidemic have and will cost conflict. With the sides striking schools and the the life of millions of civilians. recruitment of child soldiers, human right violations of children have infested Yemen. “The UN secretary- The fifth repercussion of the conflict is the general included the Houthis, government forces, displacement of civilians from the borders of their pro-government militias, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian country, resulting in high numbers of IDPs (internally Peninsula (AQAP) and, for the first time, the Saudi displaced people) and a refugee crisis. This is Arabia-led coalition on his annual “list of shame” how 2,430,178 people were reportedly internally for grave violations against children during armed displaced and 267,675 registered as refugees conflict” (HRW, 2017). Although the government (UNHCR, n.d.). These are numbers that only show has taken action towards the issue, because of its the grave consequences of the conflict and how weakness, the plans have not been implemented. the international community must act upon it immediately.

16 1967 - Formation of People’s Republic of Yemen, comprising Aden and former Protectorate of South Arabia. 1969 - Marxists take the power in south, rename state People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen and reorient economy, society and foreign policy towards Soviet bloc.

1972 - Border clashes between two Yemen’s, ceasefire brokered by .

1978 - Ali Abdallah Saleh becomes president of North Yemen.

1990 May - Two Yemen’s united as Republic of Yemen with Mr. Saleh as president, as Soviet bloc implodes. Tension between former states endures.

1993 August - Vice-President Ali Salim al-Baid withdraws to Aden, alleging that south is being marginalized and southerners are being attacked by northerners.

1994 May - Saleh declares state of emergency and dismisses al-Baid and other southern government members following political deadlock and sporadic fighting. Former armies that failed to integrate square off on old border.

1994 May - July - Al-Baid declares independence of Democratic Republic of Yemen. Northern forces capture Aden, southern leaders flee abroad and are sentenced to death in absentia.

2004 June - August - Hundreds die as troops battle Shia insurgency led by Hussein al-Houthi in the north.

2004 September - Government says its forces have killed dissident cleric Hussein al- Houthi, the leader of a revolt in the north. Timeline of Events 2005 March - April - More than 200 people are killed in a resurgence of fighting between government forces and supporters of the slain rebel cleric Hussein al-Houthi.

2005 May - President Saleh says the leader of the rebellion in the north has agreed to renounce the campaign in return for a pardon. Minor clashes continue.

2006 September - President Saleh wins another term in elections.

2007 June - Rebel leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi accepts a ceasefire.

2008 January - Renewed clashes between security forces and rebels loyal to Abdul- Malik al-Houthi.

2008 April - Clashes with troops as southern Yemenis protest against alleged northern bias in state job allocation. One man killed.

2008 March - April - Series of bomb attacks on police, official, diplomatic, foreign business and tourism targets. US embassy evacuates all non-essential personnel.

2009 August - The Yemeni army launches a fresh offensive against Shia rebels in the northern Saada province. Tens of thousands of people are displaced by the fighting.

2009 November - Saudi Arabia says it has regained control of territory seized by Yemeni rebels in a cross-border incursion.

2009 December - Yemen-based branch of al-Qaeda claims it was behind failed attack on US airliner. The government calls on the West for more support to help it combat the al-Qaeda threat.

2010 February - Government signs ceasefire with the Houthi northern rebels, which breaks down in December.

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2011 January - Tunisian street protests encourage similar demonstrations in other countries, including Yemen. President Saleh pledges not to extend his presidency in 2013 or to hand it over to his son.

2011 November - President Saleh agrees to hand over power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. Unity government including prime minister from opposition formed.

2012 February - Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi inaugurated as president after uncontested elections.

2014 January - National Dialogue Conference winds up after ten months of deliberation, agreeing a document on which the new constitution will be based.

2014 August - President Hadi sacks his cabinet and overturns a controversial fuel price rise following two weeks of anti-government protests in which Houthi rebels are heavily involved.

2014 September - Houthi rebels take almost all control of the capital, Sana’a.

2015 January - Houthis reject draft constitution proposed by government.

2015 February - Houthis appoint presidential council to replace President Hadi, who flees to Aden southern stronghold.

2015 March - Islamic State carries out its first major attacks in Yemen - two suicide bombings targeting Shia mosques in Sana’a in which 137 people are killed. Houthi rebels start to advance towards southern Yemen. President Hadi flees Aden. Saudi-led coalition of Gulf Arab states launches air strikes against Houthi targets and imposes naval blockade.

2015 September - President Hadi returns to Aden after Saudi-backed government forces recapture the port city from Houthi forces and launch advance on Aden.

2016 April - Start of UN-sponsored talks between the government on one side and Houthis and former President Saleh’s General People’s Congress (GPC) on the other.

2016 October - Airstrike by Saudi-led coalition hits a crowded funeral in Sana’a, killing 140 mourners and injuring 500. Both sides of the conflict allegedly break a UN- sponsored 72-hour ceasefire declared amid ongoing peace talks.

2017 January - A US raid kills several suspected Al-Qaeda militants and civilians in America’s first military action in Yemen under President Donald Trump.

2017 May - Houthis continue firing missiles into Saudi Arabia, claiming to have fired one at the capital Riyadh.

2017 June - November - Outbreak of cholera kills 2,100 and affects almost 900,000 others” (BBC, 2017)

18 Members to the Summit Saleh Ali Al-Sammad – president of the Supreme Political Council (SPC) of North and Central Yemen.

Aidarus Al-Zoubaidi – President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC).

The invitations to this summit have been delivered Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi – President of Yemen. considering both the members of the OIC and the sides to the conflict. As Yemen is now facing Following the principle of equality, and taking into a time of division where several positions remain account that the fragmentation of Yemen causes in different sectors of the territory, the summit has the weakening of its government, none of the come to the decision of gathering three different previously mentioned parties will have a vote in parties that will represent the different postures substantial matters. present in Yemen. This, to count with an integral view of the conflict and to reach a solution that suits The three actors already mentioned will gather with all parties and ceases the conflict. The following the other recurrent members of the OIC. will be:

Yemeni parties: The sides to the conflict are Mohammad Javad Zarif – Minister of Foreign crucial in the debate as these are the ones who will Affairs of Iran: Opposing the position of the Saudi- set the conditions for the solutions to take place led coalition, Iran has reportedly supported the in reality. Yemeni rebels in their attacks. Even though there has not been direct intervention from Iran into the Adel al-Jubeir – Minister of Foreign affairs of Saudi territory in question, it has provided the al-Houthi Arabia: As the leader of the coalition that supports movement with ballistic missiles and intelligence. It the Yemeni Government by providing military is important to notice that such aid has emerged support and intervening against the al-Houthi from the common praise of Shia Islam between

Main Actors movement, Saudi Arabia has a strong position in Iran and the rebels and that as this happens, Iran the conflict. Besides being one of the leaders of acts and sets position against Saudi Arabia, a Sunni the region, it is clear that Saudi Arabia has a huge Islam country. Because of this, the question of both say when it comes to solving the Yemeni crisis countries using Yemen as a battlefront in their long- as it has been the country that has had the most lasting rivalry arises. participation in the issue. Not only will it be the task of the committee to tackle the topic of intervention Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed – Minister of Foreign and sovereignty, but also about accountability and Affairs UAE: As part of the Saudi-led coalition, international humanitarian law, topic in which this the United Arab Emirates has acted in a pro- country is very much included. interventionist manner. Particularly, this country has set as its goal the defeat of AQAP (Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) and has intervened with military troops in Yemen to do so.

19 20 Bloc Positions into Yemen, they have financed and aided intelligence. and financed have weaponsand movementwith Al-Houthi the they Yemen, into Iranhavenotsenttroops countrieslike Although movement,Iran Al Houthi threat growing inYemen. isaresponseintervention toatransnational Thesecountriesargue cities. the the that troops with countryeither in the orstriking havemeddled yemenicrisis.Thisis,they in the coalition, countriespartofthe alongside other haveintervenedmilitarily,These parties Arabia,PresidentSaudi UAE Hadi, Pro-intervention Against intervention necessary inside the room.necessary insidethe rulesofquorum non-observanceofthe the doesnotimply this Nonetheless, negotiation. be in permitted any given for of time matters room ofthe exiting the opposite. Aswell, will Chairwheneverneeded,unlessstatedthe the entertaindelegatestoapproach Daiswill the to content.Itisimportanttonotethat of substantial proposal the voting, rules andother ofmotions ofMONUAinwhatrespects Handbook the ProcedureI n regards procedure, with follow Daiswill the Interconnection of the Islamic Summit and other committee’s at MONUA 2018

The main topic to be treated in the Islamic Summit This being said, we believe the interconnection comprehends the crisis currently taking place in between committees should be tight yet subtle. It is the Islamic country of Yemen. In that sense, the important to remember that each region is interested humanitarian and political crisis revolves around the in solving its problems first before addressing other fragility of the State and its institutions. Taking that global issues. Nevertheless, since the topics all into account, the topic of State fragility becomes revolve around state fragility, it would be of great of special relevance due to the difficult approach use the sharing of ideas when it comes to protocols it involves, and because of this, the solutions for or plans designed to strengthen governance and the humanitarian crisis have been impossible. To state institutions. In this sense, the role of the other start with, the connection that this implies includes committees in the Islamic Summit will be of the the fact that every current situation requires the proposal of ideas, that will be carried from one strengthening of State institutions in order to committee to another. By doing this, the delegates respect and protect human rights being violated in in the Islamic Summit not only will adopt the relevant the crisis in comment. Furthermore, it is clear that inputs but can declare their cooperation with plans the interventions of foreign states have evidenced in other regions of the world. Additionally, this will that once again, the weakening of Institutions ensure constant international cooperation that will imply the further violation of the citizens’ rights then aid in the creation of a worldwide solution when since it is the State’s main goal to protect each of discussed in the global summit. its citizens, situation not being accomplished in this specific issue. To guarantee the interconnection through MONUA’s 2018 system, the regional bodies will hold, at the end Moreover, it becomes imperative that this crisis is of each session, the Global Summit Against State being addressed with the focus of the strengthening Fragility. The referred organ will be characterized as of the Institutions since the nucleus and origin of the main mechanism of interconnection within the it was the first weakening of the most important Regional Bodies. The general idea of the Summit public post of the country: the presidency. As for will be: to convene all the State-members of the 5 the other committees, it must be acknowledged regional committees, with the aim of discerning the that in each of them the representation of the main solutions reached by each body and then build State’s interests becomes possible because of general frames to combat State fragility by global their institutions. Therefore, it becomes relevant to and regional governance. The address of State every committee the understanding of the current fragility shall be the main axis of the Regional Bodies. topic; it is not a matter of just Islamic States but of every State of the global governance.

21 QARMAS

» Should the international community act upon the » Should the international community intervene in a violent non-State actors present Yemeni soil? country once its issue poses a transnational threat to the region? If so, till what extent? » In what way should the humanitarian crisis be addressed considering that previous efforts carried » Does the fragility of a state and its institutions bend by international bodies have not improved the the concept of sovereignty enough for a country to inhumane life conditions? be legitimated in the meddling of its military forces in another nation’s conflict? » Taking into account that the conflict arose from the constant clash between Sunni Muslims and Shiites, » Does intervention help in solving the present issue how can this issue set precedent in solving this and building state capacity? Is it necessary? rivalry? What actions should Islamic countries take to tackle this problem? » Is it more acceptable for a country to finance war from afar than directly intervening in the conflict? » When does a national crisis pose an international, regional or local threat?

22 Dumont, G. (2010). Yemen: Background, issues, and al Qaeda role (Countries, regional studies, trading blocks, unions, world organizations). New York: Nova Science.

Brehony, N. (2011). Yemen Divided : The Story of a Failed State in South Arabia. London: I.B.Tauris.

Al Jazeera. (2016, January 09). Saudi Arabia vs Iran: Beyond the Sunni - Shia narrative. Retrieved November 21, 2017, from http://www.aljazeera.com/ programmes/listeningpost/2016/01/saudi-arabia- iran-sunni-shia-narrative-160109103036343.html

Al Jazeera. (2016, April 20). Yemen: Pulling the Strings. Retrieved November 21, 2017, from http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/ aljazeeraworld/2016/04/yemen-pulling-

Research Research suggestions strings-160420111557078.html

Yemen country profile. (2017, December 04). Security Council. (n.d.). Yemen report. Retrieved December 12, 2017, from http://www.bbc. Retrieved December 12, 2017, from http://www. com/news/world-middle-east-14704852 securitycouncilreport.org/chronology/yemen.php

Jazeera, A. (2015, February 06). Yemen’s Houthis OSESGY. (n.d.). Press releases. Retrieved December form own government in Sanaa. Retrieved 12, 2017, from https://osesgy.unmissions.org/all- December 12, 2017, from http://www.aljazeera.com/ press-releases news/middleeast/2015/02/yemen-houthi-rebels- announce-presidential-council-150206122736448. Al-Haj, A. (2017, January 17). Yemen civil war: 10,000 html civilians killed and 40,000 injured in conflict, UN reveals. Retrieved December 12, 2017, from http:// Warning Update: Fracturing of the Yemeni state. www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/ (n.d.). Retrieved December 12, 2017, from https:// yemen-civil-war-civilian-death-toll-10000-killed- www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/warning-update- 40000-injured-conflcit-un-reveals-a7530836.html

References fracturing-of-the-yemeni-state Children and Armed Conflict. (n.d.). Children, Not Financial Times (n.d.) Yemen’s misery calls out for Soldiers. Retrieved December 12, 2017, from https:// global intervention. Retrieved December 12, 2017, childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/yemen-signs- from https://www.ft.com/content/d32ba9f8-9486- action-plan/ 11e7-a9e6-11d2f0ebb7f0 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Yemen crisis: Who is fighting whom? (2017, December (n.d.). Yemen Fact Sheet. Retrieved December 02). Retrieved December 12, 2017, from http://www. 12, 2017, from http://www.unhcr.org/protection/ bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29319423 operations/4c907a4a9/yemen-fact-sheet.html

Yemen. (2017, January 12). Retrieved December 12, Jazeera, A. (2017, November 09). UN: Yemen facing 2017, from https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2017/ massive famine if blockade not lifted. Retrieved country-chapters/yemen December 12, 2017, from http://www.aljazeera. com/news/2017/11/yemen-facing-massive-famine- blockade-lifted-171109035915768.html MONUA 2018

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