The United Nations operations in Yemen should relocate all programs and offices headquarters to the country’s south, accompanied by the establishment of an independent external monitoring mechanism, a report published by Fondation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) .
The authors of the report , Edmond Fitton-Brown and Bridget Toomey, argued that the current concentration of UN activities in northern areas has limited the organization’s ability to operate effectively and impartially, given the complex political and security environment.
By shifting operations to southern Yemen, the study suggests, the UN could ensure greater accessibility, transparency, and neutrality in delivering humanitarian aid and coordinating international support.
In addition to relocation, the report calls for the creation of an external oversight body to monitor UN programs and funding flows. According to its authors, such a mechanism would strengthen accountability, reduce risks of political interference, and enhance trust among Yemeni stakeholders and international donors.
The recommendations come amid growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where millions remain in need of assistance.
Analysts note that the proposal reflects broader debates in Washington and among international partners about how to safeguard aid delivery while navigating Yemen’s fragmented political landscape.
While the report has yet to be formally adopted by U.S. policymakers, observers say its release could influence ongoing discussions between the United Nations, donor governments, and regional actors on the future of humanitarian and development operations in Yemen.