Aden  – British Ambassador to Yemen, Abda Sharif, has reiterated the United Kingdom’s strong backing for the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM), emphasizing its vital role in facilitating the flow of humanitarian assistance and preventing the smuggling of prohibited goods into Yemen.

Speaking during a diplomatic roundtable in Aden attended by UN officials, humanitarian agencies, and Yemeni civil society representatives, Ambassador Sharif described UNVIM as a “cornerstone of transparency and accountability” in the international effort to support Yemen’s recovery. 

“The UK remains firmly committed to ensuring that aid reaches those in need, and that illicit shipments do not undermine peace and stability,” she stated.

UNVIM, established in 2016 and headquartered in Djibouti, oversees commercial and humanitarian cargo destined for Yemen’s Red Sea ports, including Hodeidah, to ensure compliance with UN Security Council resolutions. The mechanism has been instrumental in screening shipments for weapons and contraband, while enabling the delivery of food, fuel, and medical supplies to millions of Yemenis.

Ambassador Sharif praised UNVIM’s efforts to maintain operational integrity amid mounting challenges, including security threats, bureaucratic delays, and political pressure. She also called on regional actors and Yemeni authorities to cooperate fully with UNVIM’s procedures to avoid disruptions in aid delivery.

The UK has been one of UNVIM’s principal supporters, providing financial contributions, technical expertise, and diplomatic advocacy to sustain its operations. British officials have also urged the UN Security Council to reinforce the mechanism’s mandate and ensure its independence from political interference.

Humanitarian organizations operating in Yemen have welcomed the UK’s stance, noting that UNVIM’s oversight helps maintain donor confidence and protects aid channels from exploitation. With over 21 million Yemenis in need of assistance, safeguarding humanitarian access remains a top priority for the international community.

Ambassador Sharif concluded by reaffirming the UK’s broader commitment to Yemen’s peace process, development, and sovereignty, stating: “Only through coordinated international action can Yemen move toward a future of peace, dignity, and prosperity for all its people”.