Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Abukar Dahir Osman, Permanent Representative of Somalia to the United Nations, on behalf of the A3+, at the Security Council Briefing on The Situation in Yemen

Mr. President, 
 
I am honored to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, and my own country Somalia. We express our gratitude to Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, and OCHA ASG Joyce Msuya, for their invaluable updates on the situation in Yemen, and I would also like to welcome the Permanent Representative of Yemen to this meeting.  
 
The A3+ reiterates its steadfast support for United Nations-led initiatives and regional efforts, including those spearheaded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, to achieve a Yemeni-owned and Yemeni-led political settlement. A balanced and inclusive process, with robust engagement of women and youth, remains essential for resolving the conflict and addressing the aspirations of the Yemeni people. 
 
We emphasize the importance of maintaining the progress achieved in peace negotiations and encourage the continued leadership of the United Nations in these mediation efforts. 
 
In light of recent developments, the A3+ underscores the following concerns and priorities: 
 
First, the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel: The A3+ reiterates its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained humanitarian and UN personnel by the Houthis. The arbitrary detention of these personnel, as well as civil society members constitutes severe violations under international humanitarian law. In this regard, we once again urge the Houthis to cease the practice of arbitrarily detaining humanitarian workers who provide lifesaving services to the people in Yemen. We also strongly condemn the continued targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, such as the recent drone attack on a market in Taiz province, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries, and recent attacks in Hinka Al Masoud in Baidha province.  
 
Second, escalating food insecurity: Food insecurity in Yemen has worsened significantly, with the WFP reporting a dramatic rise in households unable to meet basic needs. Projections indicate that 17 million people or 49 percent of the population will face severe food shortages in 2025, with 5 million facing emergency-level conditions and 3.5 million experiencing acute malnutrition. The A3+ urges swift international action to adequately fund the Humanitarian Response Plan for Yemen. 
 
Third, threats to maritime safety and environment: the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, pose serious risks to global shipping and maritime ecosystem, with long-lasting consequences for the Red Sea’s delicate marine environment. The A3+ expresses its continued concerns over these attacks and calls on the Houthis to immediately halt these activities.  
 
Fourth, external military actions: Escalating external attacks, including Israeli airstrikes on Yemeni territories and the broader implications of the Gaza conflict, undermine peace-building efforts. We urge all parties, including regional and international actors, to prioritize diplomatic channels and cease military actions in Yemen’s territory. Any further escalations carry significant risks of exacerbating regional tensions and worsening the situation facing the Yemeni population. We further emphasize the importance of maintaining stability and fostering dialogue. In this regard, we call on the Houthis to cease actions that exacerbate tensions in the region, as such behavior undermines efforts toward peace and reconciliation. It is imperative that all parties demonstrate restraint and commit to constructive engagement to achieve lasting solutions. In this regard, we stress once again that only diplomatic effort and political dialogue can solve the Yemeni crisis not military intervention.  
 
In light of these challenges, the A3+ firmly maintains that securing an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza is a critical first step toward lasting peace throughout the region. This ceasefire is essential for halting further escalation and creating the environment for a genuine and comprehensive peace processes. 
 
In conclusion, we emphasize the critical importance of maintaining focused international engagement with Yemen. The A3+ reaffirms its support for a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned peace process under UN auspices and calls for collaborative international engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability in Yemen. 
 
Thank you.