A3+ Statement delivered by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone, at Security Council Briefing on the Situation in Yemen
Mr. President,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely Algeria, Guyana, Mozambique and my own country Sierra Leone.
We would like to thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and OCHA Director of Operations and Advocacy Edem Wosornu, for their comprehensive updates and valuable insights about the security and humanitarian situations on the ground. We also welcome the participation of Yemen to this meeting.
Mr. President,
The A3+ joins other Council members in expressing our grave concern over the detention of United Nations personnel working in Yemen, including the humanitarian personnel. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained and urged the Houthis to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian and United Nations personnel.
We also express our grave concern about the devastating impact of the protracted conflict in Yemen, and the persistent stalemate among the parties on the lives and livelihoods of its people. Over the past decade, this conflict has resulted in countless deaths and unimaginable suffering for the people of Yemen. With more than 18 million people, in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, we need to redouble diplomatic efforts to bring this conflict to an end.
We are aware of the complex political landscape in which the UN Special Envoy functions, and we commend his efforts to engage the various parties on resuming political talks. The A3+ firmly believes that lasting peace and progress in the political talks can only be achieved through a Yemeni-owned and led political process, which must include the meaningful participation of women and youths. In this regard we would like to make the following points:
Firstly, efforts to restart political talks and addressing the situation in a sustainable manner requires an integrated approach. In line with relevant Security Council resolution, we stress the need for all stakeholders to be fully engaged in the political process. We reiterate the need for decisive steps towards a sustainable ceasefire and our strong support for efforts towards a political settlement that will ultimately end the suffering for the Yemeni people.
The Special Envoy has a key role to play in rebuilding the momentum of the peace talks, and we reiterate our support for his efforts towards a negotiated, inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political settlement based on the agreed references and in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions.
The facilitating role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman and other regional actors is crucial. The active involvement of civil society, women’s groups and the youth is paramount in all aspects of the peace process.
Despite the challenges, we believe that only through dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation, the parties can take a courageous step towards a peaceful and sustainable solution for Yemen to be operationalized through a UN roadmap.
Secondly, we stress the need to de-escalate the economic war and to urgently address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Yemen. The Yemeni economy has been devastated by the conflict and the retaliatory monetary and fiscal policy measures that have worsened the situation. While we underscore the obligation of Yemeni financial institutions to comply with banking laws and regulations and the importance to safeguarding the banking sector, we urge the parties to the conflict to spare the country’s economy from further collapse, and to refrain from taking measures that would further divide the banking system in Yemen. We further urge regional stakeholders to include in the peace process measures to resolve the divide in the banking system with a view of addressing the depreciation of the Yemeni rial and worsening humanitarian conditions.
Along this same line, we reiterate our support for the Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan and urge the international community to address the significant funding gap in order to effectively address the needs of the Yemeni people. Increased humanitarian aid is crucial to prevent widespread famine and disease outbreaks. It is also essential that movement restrictions on women be lifted to facilitate their unhindered access to humanitarian aid. Beyond providing lifesaving humanitarian support, there is an urgent need to reverse years of infrastructural and institutional damage in the country.
Thirdly, we are gravely concerned about the security situation in the Red Sea and call on the Houthis to refrain from their escalatory actions. The prolonged Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden continue to pose an unacceptable danger to maritime vessels, shipping companies, and regional and global trade. The level of aggression and escalation in the Red Sea has turned the conflict in Yemen into a mutually punishing stalemate. The A3+ reiterates its condemnation of the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. We demand that the Houthis immediately and unconditionally cease all such attacks and refrain from taking any further provocative actions and urge them to prioritize political and diplomatic means in resolving the situation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Mr. President
The A3+ demands the full implementation of the Security council resolutions aiming at achieving an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. This will deescalate tensions in the region.
In closing, The A3+ stands by the Yemeni people and reiterates its support for an inclusive political process that will guarantee the peace and development of Yemen. We urge all parties to commit to constructive dialogue and genuine efforts towards reconciliation, ensuring that the voices and needs of all Yemenis are respected and addressed.
I thank you.
