2018年-查塔姆研究所_The_Role_of_Youth_Activists_in_Yemen039s_Transition_Process_21页_290kb

Summary of the Middle East and North Africa Programme: Yemen Forum Workshop (May 2012)

Core Content

The workshop, held in Jordan in May 2012, brought together Yemeni youth activists and international policy-makers to examine youth participation in Yemen's transition process and identify mechanisms for enhancing their involvement. The discussions were structured around key themes including perceptions of international and Yemeni actors, the transition process, military reform, national dialogue, and political participation mechanisms.

Main Points

Changing Perceptions of International Actors

• Positive perceptions: Germany and the EU were seen as committed and supportive of change, while the UK was perceived as promoting stability and democracy through the Friends of Yemen process.
• Negative perceptions: The US was still viewed as focused solely on counter-terrorism, and Iran and Saudi Arabia were seen as interfering for national interests.
• UN's role: The UN, particularly Jamal Benomar, was seen as playing a constructive and conciliatory role, in contrast to earlier perceptions in Cairo.

Military Reform: An Urgent Priority

• Military restructuring is essential for Yemen's stability and is likely to take at least two years.
• The lack of a unified command structure hinders efforts against AQAP and contributes to political instability.
• President Hadi has initiated steps toward reform, including the formation of a military and security committee and purges of senior commanders, but these are seen as insufficient.
• Youth activists are expected to play a role in maintaining pressure on Hadi for further reforms and to lobby the international community to support the process.

National Dialogue – A Question of Representation

• Youth inclusion is seen as crucial for the success of the national dialogue and the establishment of a modern, democratic Yemen.
• There is no consensus on how to ensure effective youth representation, with concerns over transparency and consultation.
• A unified coordination council was proposed to represent youth in the dialogue, but challenges remain in uniting diverse youth groups.
• The Southern Movement's potential non-participation raises concerns about the inclusiveness of the dialogue.

The Southern Question

• The Southern Movement may refuse to engage in the national dialogue, undermining its legitimacy and effectiveness.
• Grassroots dialogue between northerners and southerners is seen as a way to increase understanding and address the southern issue.

Increasing Youth Participation in Politics

• Youth activists aim to raise awareness and skills in the political arena.
• Support from both domestic and international actors is essential, particularly in funding local NGOs and providing training.
• Youth groups are seen as vital in engaging wider society and advancing civil society.

Action Points

• Increase transparency in the national dialogue process.
• Support youth groups in addressing representation and participation.
• Encourage interaction between youth and the transition government.
• Improve access to resources and training for youth groups and NGOs outside Sana'a.

Key Recommendations

• For policy-makers:

  • Encourage flexible conditions for engaging with local CSOs.
  • Promote transparency and clarity in all aspects of the transition process.
  • Support youth participation in pressure groups and media campaigns.
  • Ensure the enforcement of laws to constrain political parties' power.
  • Facilitate a national dialogue that includes all segments of society.

• For youth activists:

  • Develop a clear vision and support structure for engaging with international donors.
  • Participate in training and awareness campaigns to enhance their political skills.
  • Advocate for the inclusion of youth in the national dialogue and civil society.
  • Consider organizing a national youth conference to unify objectives and monitor representation.

Conclusion

The workshop highlighted the critical role of youth activists in Yemen's transition process, emphasizing the need for greater transparency, inclusiveness, and support from both domestic and international actors. While there is optimism about the national dialogue and military reform, challenges remain in ensuring effective youth representation and engagement. The recommendations focus on building trust, improving communication, and creating mechanisms for meaningful participation.