Statement delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN, on behalf of the A3+, at Security Council Briefing on 'The Situation in the Middle East' - Yemen
Madame President,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of members of the A3+, namely Algeria, Sierra Leone, Mozambique and my own country Guyana.
We join other colleagues in thanking Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Acting USG Joyce Msuya for their valuable briefings and take note of the contribution of Professor Jumaan on the situation in Yemen. We also welcome the participation of Yemen in this meeting.
Madame President,
As highlighted by the briefers, the humanitarian situation in Yemen remains dire, with the country enduring one of the most devastating crises in recent history.
The arbitrary detention of UN staff and other humanitarian workers by the Houthis - a clear violation of international humanitarian law has also impeded the humanitarian response to the detriment of the Yemeni people. The A3+ echoes the recent appeal of the Secretary General as well as the principals of the affected United Nations Agencies, for the release of all arbitrarily detained personnel in Yemen. Their freedom is essential for the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance and the pursuit of peace in Yemen.
We are alarmed by the reported referral to “criminal prosecution” by the Houthi de facto authorities of a significant number of arbitrarily detained aid workers, including three United Nations personnel who were detained in 2021 and 2023 and renew our call for their immediate release and for full respect for their human rights.
We deplore this unacceptable behavior and emphasize the need for humanitarian personnel to be allowed to operate without fear or obstruction. We further urge the Houthis to desist from further actions that impede efforts to provide humanitarian aid and protection to the millions of Yemenis in need and to instead direct their attention to advancing the peace process.
Madam President,
After a decade of conflict, the Yemen peace process remains in a state of limbo - a product of a mutually hurting stalemate, the misaligned expectations among internal and external stakeholders, and shifting regional dynamics.
All the while it is the Yemeni people who continue to pay the ultimate price. The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is considered one of the most severe and complex in the world, due to the scale of human suffering, the protracted nature of the conflict, counterproductive actions and the geopolitical complexities that impede political progress.
We reaffirm the urgent need for a Yemeni-led political and peace process, as advocated for by the UN Special Envoy, to facilitate a peaceful and inclusive transition. We urge the conflict parties and regional and other stakeholders to refrain from actions that would deepen divisions or hinder dialogue.
The A3+ acknowledges the significant diplomatic efforts undertaken by Mr. Grunberg, who has made strides in reengaging regional actors and ensuring that Yemeni political voices are included in the peace process. His message throughout this process has been clear - achieving peace in Yemen requires unified efforts from all stakeholders, both regionally and globally.
Recent Israeli airstrikes on Houthi-controlled infrastructure represent a troubling escalation of regional tensions, raising the potential for a wider conflict that threatens the stability of the entire Middle East.
The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea jeopardize the active maritime ecosystem in the Red Sea and continue to pose a threat to commercial activities.
This vital maritime corridor for global trade has become increasingly unstable, driving up transportation costs and disrupting food and fuel supplies not only for Yemen, but for the entire region. Maritime security is essential for global trade; the Houthis must cease these hostile operations immediately.
The A3+ emphasizes the urgent need to secure these maritime routes and safeguard global commerce. We call on the Houthis to cease all attacks, which undermine navigational rights and freedoms.
Considering 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 process.
Madam President,
The humanitarian dimension of the crisis in Yemen is critical. Approximately 24 million people in Yemen about 80% of the population require humanitarian assistance, marking one of the highest proportions of a population in need globally.
This already dire situation is compounded by critical levels of food insecurity, with millions on the brink of famine, a devastated healthcare infrastructure and reported outbreaks of preventable diseases such as cholera and diphtheria.
The conflict has displaced over 4 million people internally, further complicating aid efforts. Despite the severity of the situation, Yemen has often been underrepresented in global media compared to other crises, leading to less public awareness and, consequently, less funding and aid. We urgently call on the international community to mobilize the necessary resources for the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan for Yemen.
Madam President,
The military dynamics of this conflict, driven by both internal and external actors, continue to fuel instability. The A3+ condemns all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. We call for an immediate halt to such actions and urge all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law. A political resolution is non-negotiable; Yemen can only find its way out of this quagmire through dialogue and mutual respect for sovereignty.
In this regard, we urge parties to the conflict as well as other local stakeholders including civil society, women, and youth groups to actively participate in ongoing discussions being facilitated by the UN Special Envoy.
In closing Madame President, the A3+ reiterates the necessity of a comprehensive approach to resolving the crisis in Yemen. We advocate for sustained humanitarian support, a revitalized political process, and unwavering respect for international humanitarian law. The people of Yemen deserve peace, and the world must not turn a blind eye to their suffering. We stand ready to support all efforts that lead to lasting peace and stability in Yemen and the region.
I Thank you.
