[WASHINGTON, D.C.]
The Washington Center for Yemen Studies (WCYS) today hosted its second annual Yemen Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill.
WCYS highlighted several critical areas necessary for the stability and development of Yemen and the Yemeni American community. Key discussions focused on strengthening U.S. diplomatic efforts to address the complex political and security landscape in Yemen and increasing accountability for human rights abuses in Yemen.
Emphasizing the need for increased sustainable development strategies that are vital to Yemen’s recovery, which will aid the Yemeni economy and Yemeni citizens in the long term.
The Yemen Advocacy Day, launched by the Washington Center for Yemen Studies, is a prominent event aimed at strengthening US-Yemen relations and advocating for the issues of the Yemeni American community as well as Yemeni political affairs.
More than 130 Yemenis from 17 US states attended the gathering, reflecting a notable increase in participation, particularly among women and youth. This diverse plurality reinforces the collective determination to strive for stability and cohesive policies that benefit both countries.
Yemeni Americans also met with 64 congressional offices and 3 congressional committee representatives to discuss their concerns. A number of meetings enriched the Advocacy Day on July 8, 2024, with the participation of prominent Yemeni community leaders, including a US-elected Yemeni-American judge, a US mayor, a state representative, and many Yemeni-American civil society activists. Notably, the office of the US envoy and representatives from the State Department were present, engaging directly with the community and providing important sights about the current diplomatic efforts and policy developments.
Representatives from various Yemeni political factions and orientations were present, presenting a unified message about the urgent need for stability in their country and a strong rejection of internal violence and non-state armed groups.
It is noteworthy that the Washington Center for Yemen Studies encourages dialogue and civic participation within the Yemeni American community and strives for Yemeni American voices to be an integral part of the dialogue on international relations and humanitarian assistance.
