His Excellency the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Dr. Muhammad Saeed Al-Zaouri, discussed this morning in the capital, Aden, with the representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Marine Kaydom Shay, strengthening joint cooperation between the Ministry and the Commission and exploring ways to enhance social protection for vulnerable groups, including refugees. 

During the meeting, Minister Al-Zaouri confirmed that the legitimate, internationally recognized government is committed to implementing the pledges it made at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum and calls on the international community to support it in achieving those commitments, including livelihoods for migrants and refugees, the ministry’s institutional building, and capacity building.

Minister Al-Zaouri called on UNHCR to support host communities due to the pressure that refugees and displaced persons put on services in these communities, in addition to strengthening social protection systems that target refugees and host communities alike. .

Minister Al-Zaouri stressed that the legitimate government has made great efforts for the displaced and refugees, and that it is time for the world to recognize these efforts and provide them with the necessary support to enable the establishment of a strong and sustainable social support network. Pointing out that whenever appropriate, possible and safe conditions are available for the displaced and refugees to return to Their original homes must be supported and allowed to do so as a human and legal right.

For his part, Mr. Mary Kaydom Shay, representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, praised the ministry’s efforts in caring for marginalized groups and developing social policies, noting that the priorities and goals between the ministry and the organization are identical, which enhances the effective partnership and close coordination between them. 

Mr. Kaydom praised the stable security situation in the capital, Aden, and that this prompted international organizations and agencies to activate their activities and programs from the capital, Aden. He pointed out that he will seek to reach international donors to obtain more funds necessary to support these activities and programs, expressing his happiness with this meeting. Looking forward to more joint work

It was agreed to form joint contact points between the Ministry and the Commission to work on coordinating work and efforts during the coming period between the Commission and the Ministry. 

The meeting was attended by Undersecretaries of the Ministry, and from the Commission’s side, Mr. Muhammad Rafiq Nasri, Head of the Commission’s office in the capital, Aden, Mr. Muammar Alwan, First Assistant Field Officer, and Mrs. Aisha Saeed, First Social Welfare Officer.