Client Update: Yemen
CLIENT BACKGROUND
PILPG has provided legal assistance to the UN Special Envoy for Yemen on peace negotiations, ceasefires, national dialogue and constitution drafting. Since 2011, PILPG has provided analysis on constitutional models, state structure, federalism, devolution of power, separation of powers, judicial independence, civil and political rights, and transitional justice. PILPG has also conducted a series of trainings for officials in the Ministry of Local Administration regarding how to design a transition from a unitary to a federalist state, and the status of southern Yemen in a future federal state. PILPG has also hosted a series of Transition Engagement Trainings in Amman for Yemeni civil society organizations.
Dr. Williams en route to the peace negotiations in Sa'ada, Yemen.
Security detail in Ta'izz, Yemen.
Returning from the peace negotiations in Sa'ada, Yemen.
areas of support
Throughout PILPG's engagement in the Yemeni peace process, PILPG has:
Provided pre-negotiation and on-site Negotiation assistance:
PILPG Founder Dr. Paul Williams served as legal adviser to the UN Special Envoy, Jamal Benomar. During this time Dr. Williams provided assistance with legal issues relating to:
The National Dialogue Conference in Sana’a.
The 8 plus 8 negotiations between the North and South in Sana’a.
The Constitution Drafting Commission in Sana’a, Taiz and Abu Dhabi.
The negotiation of the National Partnership Agreement (ceasefire) in Sa’ada and Sana’a.
PILPG worked with the Ministry of Local Administration to prepare a strategic plan for devolution/federalism.
PILPG also provided capacity-building resources to women, youth, and members of the Southern delegation ahead of the National Dialogue Conference in Sana’a.
Recently PILPG has hosted Transition Engagement Trainings for geographically diverse civil society organizations engaged in the peace process in Amman.
Facilitated “Lessons Learned” round tables in DC on best practices for negotiations.
PILPG founder Dr. Paul Williams providing support for the UN Envoy Jamal Benomar during peace negotiations in Sa'ada Yemen.
Dr. Paul Williams with UN Envoy Jamal Benomar at the UN Security Council briefing on Yemen.
Dr. Williams working with the Youth Delegation to the Yemeni National Dialogue.
PILPG Alum Yoonie Kim working with UN Special Envoy Benomar on the Peace and National Partnership Agreement in Sa'ada, Yemen.
Partnered with:
Working with the Yemeni Ministry of Local Affairs to prepare for the transition to federalism.
- Ministry of Local Administration in Sana’a
The UN Special Envoy’s office
The Yemeni Government
Pro-democracy leaders
Civil Society Organizations
Resonate!, a youth-run foundation aiming to bring the voices and ideas of Yemeni youth into public policy
Advised on a number of comprehensive topics, including:
- Ceasefire provisions
Best practices in peace agreements
Post-conflict Constitution drafting
State structure
Devolution of political powers
Separation of powers
Judicial independence
Human, civil, and political rights
Transitional justice
Transformation of state structure from unitary to federal
Options for prosecution of former President Saleh and his advisors for atrocity crimes
Improving Yemen’s amnesty and transitional justice laws
Creation of a unified, civilian control over security forces
Creation of a human rights framework through constitutional provisions and legislation with oversight mechanisms and enforcement entities
Constituent outreach in conflict-affected contexts
Legislative and regulatory advocacy
Creation of constituent outreach plans
Establishing and training a Youth Network of over 100 Yemeni civil society activists in Yemen to organize outreach and advocacy