The Swiss government has expressed its readiness to expand its humanitarian efforts in Yemen and to return looted Yemeni artifacts that were previously seized by Swiss authorities.
This came during a meeting between Yemen’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mustafa Naaman and Monika Schmutz Kirgöz, Assistant to the Swiss Foreign Minister, on the sidelines of the UNHCR Executive Committee session in Geneva. The two sides discussed ways to increase Switzerland’s humanitarian assistance to support the capacity of local and international organizations operating in Yemen. They also agreed to schedule an upcoming visit by a delegation from the Swiss Foreign Ministry and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation to conduct a field assessment of humanitarian needs and align support with the Yemeni government’s priorities.
The meeting also addressed challenges facing humanitarian operations in Yemen, particularly the violations committed by the Houthi group against aid workers in areas under its control, which pose a direct threat to the humanitarian situation.
On another note, Naaman praised Switzerland’s stance and its readiness to return looted Yemeni artifacts that it had recovered. He explained that the handover will take place after the signing of an official document confirming the Yemeni government’s ownership of the artifacts, which will remain preserved at the Geneva Museum until conditions are suitable for their return to Yemen.
