"...the UN has given legitimacy to the brokered political deal presumably to bring about fundamental democratic and human rights change, it will be necessary to closely monitor..." There may be a signed document; however the reality on the ground reflects more continuing conflict and deprivation. From official UN reports and direct reports from our sources in Yemen and diaspora, the situations warrants ongoing concern. According to Catherine Bragg, Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, large segments of the population of Yemen are enduring chronic deprivation exacerbated by the breakdown of the delivery of essential social services as a result of civil unrest and widespread violence, “We are seeing rates of malnutrition in young children comparable to those in Somalia, A third of the population… doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from, [amid] a looming health crisis,” (see Film Report: - “Rescuing the Drowing (Refugees from Somalia-Horn of Africa)” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/rescuing-the-drowning/28559 Ms. Bragg has just returned from Yemen, and she highlighted another element contributing to scarcity of resources an influx of refugees and migrants from the Horn of Africa: “In 2012, we and our partners will expand humanitarian programs so that we can reach as many as possible of the 3.8 million people across Yemen needing life-saving aid. This figure includes internally displaced people, refugees, as well as the host communities.” Protests/Unrest Continues? Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the fighting in Abyan Governorate in the south in recent months. Most of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) are living with host families or in school buildings in Aden and neighboring governorates, according to Ms. Bragg.“I spoke to the local authorities about the need to find lasting solutions for people sheltering in the schools. I also underlined the fact that humanitarian workers must have independent access to all areas where civilians are being displaced.” Protests and unrest continues, despite a recently signed, UN and Gulf Cooperation Council endorsed agreement for transition of power – Read: - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/yemen-settlement-un-to-endorse-by-ambassador-mo/42034 . Many Yemenis are concerned that there has not been a decisive shift to reform, but that revolution has been co-opted as rebellion by a new set of elites to assume power. Fear regardless pervades, in terms of the past as well as future – retaliation/revenge is of concern. In the north, about 300,000 people remain displaced by the conflict in Sa’ada. Many of them are not returning home because of insecurity, fear of retaliation, and loss of livelihoods and assets. Several aid agencies have had to reduce their presence because of threats made by armed groups, Ms. Bragg added. Ms. Bragg has urged officials to expedite visas to international NGOs’ staff for aid workers to set up efforts in Yemen. While the UN has given legitimacy to the brokered political deal presumably to bring about fundamental democratic and human rights change, it will be necessary to closely monitor the manner and implementation of such arrangements as well as to enhance the humanitarian situation for a country under pressure from so many angles: protest/unrest, alleged terror, Horn of Africa refugees, persistent poverty and demand for substantive political/democratic and human rights reform. By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX War Crimes Justice” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice