S/PV.10090 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen; and Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of the Humanitarian Sector Division and Head and Representative of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Mr. Grundberg. Mr. Grundberg: Allow me first to warmly welcome the newly elected members of the Security Council. I look forward to close and constructive cooperation in the period ahead with all of them. Over the past months, Yemen has experienced a series of rapid and significant developments that have reshaped key political and security dynamics. While the relative de-escalation achieved in Yemen since 2022 created a temporary calm, it was never intended to represent an end state, but rather an opening that required sustained political direction to translate fragile stability into lasting resolution. This is something that I have repeatedly stressed to the Council. The developments in southern Yemen highlight how quickly that fragile balance can be disrupted and how critical it is to re-anchor the process in a credible political pathway. Absent a comprehensive approach that addresses Yemen’s many challenges in an integrated manner, rather than in isolation, the risk of recurrent and destabilizing cycles will remain a persistent feature in the country’s trajectory. In recent days, military de-escalation and general stabilization have been achieved, yet the security situation in parts of the south remains fragile. In December, forces affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council sought to expand their presence in Hadramawt and Mahra, and in early January, government-aligned forces, including the National Shield Forces, with support from the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia, moved to reassert control over both governorates and subsequently deployed to Aden and other government areas to secure key administrative, economic and military infrastructure. These developments have been accompanied by adjustments in key political appointments and command decisions at the national and local levels. While following these developments closely, I have remained active in my engagements with relevant stakeholders. I have had in-depth discussions in Cairo, Muscat and Riyadh with Yemeni actors, regional partners and the wider international community to help defuse tension and support a political way forward. I welcome and encourage regional and national efforts to address recent developments through dialogue. Achieving sustained and concrete solutions for Yemen necessitates not only the active willingness of Yemeni stakeholders but also the concerted and united support of the region. This brings me to a critical point. The future of the south cannot be determined by any single actor or through force. Ultimately, it is up to Yemenis, including the full diversity of southern perspectives, to address this complex and long-standing issue. President Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi’s initiative to convene a dialogue, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a range of southern actors, offers an opportunity to start addressing the issue of the south through political engagement. Such a dialogue reflects the importance of inclusive internal deliberation to build consensus and prepare for a Yemen-wide political process, under United Nations auspices. These diplomatic and political efforts must ultimately be judged by how they respond to the realities Yemenis face every day. In my Office’s consultations with Yemenis from across the country, what we hear is strikingly consistent. Regardless of where people live, they speak of the same priorities: services that function, salaries that are paid, freedom of movement and institutions that work for people rather than factions. For many Yemenis, instability is first felt in the economy, in prices that rise overnight, in salary payments pushed even further back and in basic services breaking down. With the economy already fragile and household resilience largely exhausted, even short-lived political and security instability can trigger currency pressure, widen fiscal gaps and stall reform efforts. I welcome statements by the Government recognizing the need to shield economic institutions, including the Central Bank, from political and security disputes, and I urge the Government to maintain momentum on its economic reform agenda, which is essential to restoring confidence and stability. These priorities underscore a broader reality. Yemen’s political, economic and security challenges are inseparable and progress in one will not hold without progress in the others. The issue of the south, in particular, is bound up with fundamental questions about the future shape of the State, security arrangements and economic governance. This is why, ultimately, Yemen needs a comprehensive, inclusive, nationwide political process, one that offers Yemenis a space to debate and negotiate these questions together, rather than in isolation. Only such a process can deliver on the shared aspirations we hear from Yemenis across the country and only such a process can sustainably end the conflict. That is why I remain relentlessly focused on securing a political process, which was and remains the central aim of the United Nations road map. While I have centred my remarks today on southern Yemen, because of the consequential developments there, the imperative is Yemen-wide. Progress will depend on all parties, including Ansar Allah, refraining from escalatory actions and rhetoric and remaining open to engaging under United Nations auspices on confidence-building steps and a comprehensive political process. Last month in Muscat, the Government of Yemen, the Coalition and Ansar Allah demonstrated what political will for peaceful negotiations can still achieve. Meeting under United Nations auspices, they agreed on the number of conflict-related detainees to be released in the next phase, as a step towards fulfilling their commitment to release all conflict-related detainees under the all-for-all principle. More work remains to finalize implementation, including agreement on the names of detainees to be released, which the parties have started to work on. But the meeting itself, and the fact that it produced a shared outcome, sent an important signal and renewed hope for families across Yemen. I would like to reiterate my deep appreciation to the Sultanate of Oman for hosting the discussions and my thanks to the International Committee of the Red Cross for its indispensable role. The onus is now on the parties to move from agreement to action. There is nothing preventing these releases but political will. I must also express my deep concern regarding the continued detention of United Nations personnel and other staff in Sana’a. Despite sustained engagement by the United Nations to secure the release of our staff, Ansar Allah has instead detained additional personnel and, very alarmingly, referred some to their Special Criminal Court. These actions undermine the ability of the United Nations to operate, which ultimately harms the Yemeni population we are mandated to support. I call on Ansar Allah to immediately release these staff and rescind the court referrals. I also urge regional and international actors to use their influence to secure the immediate release of all detained United Nations and other staff. This is a moment for Yemeni leaders to invest in politics rather than force, in institutions rather than fragmentation and in the national interest rather than narrow calculations. Unified Security Council support for a United Nations-facilitated political process remains one of the strongest signals that this investment is worthwhile. The last thing Yemen needs right now is a conflict within a conflict. The opportunity exists to move decisively towards stabilization and a comprehensive peace process, rather than drift towards confrontation. The Council’s unity and concerted exercise of its influence will be critical to steer Yemen on the right path.

I thank Mr. Grundberg for his briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Rajasingham. Mr. Rajasingham: As we begin 2026, Yemen’s humanitarian crisis has further deteriorated. Needs are rising, access is contracting and funding has not kept pace. The result is that millions of Yemenis are not receiving the aid they need to survive. I will first turn to the plight of the civilians and the difficult operating environment for humanitarians before outlining the challenges ahead. Every Yemeni, no matter where they live, must have access to essential services and, where their needs remain unmet, humanitarian aid. But in reality, too many Yemenis are still cut off from vital assistance. In areas held by the Houthi de facto authorities, the continued detention of 73 United Nations staff continues to severely restrict critical humanitarian work. I reiterate the Secretary-General’s call for the de facto authorities to rescind the referral of United Nations colleagues to special criminal courts and to work in good faith towards the immediate release of all detained personnel of the United Nations, non- governmental organizations (NGOs) and the diplomatic community. The unavoidable reality is that the United Nations must continue to re-evaluate and reorganize our humanitarian operations on the ground in areas of Yemen held by the de facto authorities — home to approximately 70 per cent of humanitarian needs countrywide. We remain committed to supporting the people of Yemen where we can, including through continued support to our NGO partners on the ground. As ever, I thank the Special Envoy for his efforts to reinvigorate political discussions and support a path towards a negotiated political settlement led by the Yemeni people. In the past month, the situation in the south of Yemen has been extremely volatile, uprooting families and disrupting civilian and humanitarian movement. We welcome the recent military de-escalation; the stabilization of the situation will bolster support for good governance and reduce disruptions that might otherwise push already fragile communities further into humanitarian need. As the Secretary-General has warned, any further deterioration in security will worsen Yemen’s already dire humanitarian crisis, triggering more displacement and cutting millions more off from life-saving assistance. As I noted at the outset, the humanitarian situation in Yemen is worsening, particularly in the critical areas of food security, nutrition and healthcare — all issues that the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has repeatedly raised in the Council. We know that when humanitarian organizations can operate safely, effectively and in a principled manner and when resources are available, humanitarian assistance works. It reduces hunger, prevents disease and saves lives. Where conditions have allowed, our partners have continued to deliver. In Government- controlled areas, the World Food Programme has maintained food assistance in two- month cycles, reaching almost 3.5 million people in late 2025. During the recent flooding, more than 27,000 families received emergency assistance within weeks. Coordinated responses in Marib also demonstrated the effectiveness of cash assistance, helping families recover more quickly from floods. But when access is obstructed and funding falls away, those gains are quickly reversed. More than 18 million Yemenis — or half the population — will face acute food insecurity next month. They will be hungry — tens of thousands catastrophically so — facing famine-like conditions. This is worse than one year ago, with at least 1 million additional people now hungry. Women and girls are hit hardest, often eating last and the least. Nearly half of Yemen’s children under the age of five are acutely malnourished, but funding shortfalls last year meant that only 2 million people out of the nearly 8 million targeted for critical nutrition interventions were reached. More than 2,500 supplementary feeding programmes and outpatient therapeutic programmes were forced to shutter. Yemen’s health system is collapsing. More than 450 health facilities have closed across both Houthi de facto authority- and Government-controlled areas owing to funding cuts. By the end of 2025, less than 60 per cent of the health facilities still operating were fully functional, including, for instance, those providing basic emergency obstetric and newborn care. We estimate that 2,300 clinics risk losing funding, leaving millions without access to life-saving care. Vaccination programmes are also under threat. Only two thirds of Yemen’s children are fully immunized, largely owing to restrictions on campaigns in the north. As a result, millions of Yemeni children are vulnerable to deadly yet vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, diphtheria, cholera and polio. Last year, Yemen reported the highest caseload of measles in the world and one of the highest polio caseloads globally and ranked among the top three countries globally for suspected cholera cases. This is not the legacy that the children of Yemen and their families deserve. Despite these challenges, our partners working in health continue to save lives. With what funding and access they have, they supported more than 3,000 health facilities and carried out vaccination campaigns, reaching 2.2 million children in de facto authority-held areas with measles-rubella jabs and 1.4 million children in Government-controlled areas with polio vaccines. Our partners have responded to the cholera crisis, scaling up preparedness activities, training local health workers, delivering supplies to nearly 3,200 primary healthcare facilities and supporting 15 life-saving treatment centres. I will close by restating our asks of the Security Council. First, Council members must exert their influence and pressure to bring about the release of the 73 United Nations workers who remain held by the Houthi de facto authorities, along with the dozens of international non-governmental organization, non-governmental organization, civil society and diplomatic corps employees and former employees. This deplorable situation cannot be allowed to persist. This arbitrary detention must end so as to return these staff to their families and loved ones and allow humanitarians to do their job safely and unimpeded for all those in need. Secondly, Council members must step up funding for a crisis that shows no sign of lessening and not consign the people of Yemen to the margins at a time when they desperately need more, not less, support. And thirdly, Council members must maintain the unity that has served the Council so well on the issue of Yemen. They must stay pragmatic and patient about the challenges ahead and firm in defending the humanitarian values that guide us.

I thank Mr. Rajasingham for his briefing. I now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements.

I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Director Rajasingham for briefing us today, and I welcome the participation of the representatives of Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in our meeting. First, I would like to start by reaffirming the Council’s strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen, the Presidential Leadership Council and the Government of Yemen, as outlined in the Council statement of 23 December 2025 (SC/16265). Disunity in southern Yemen is in no one’s interests and only undermines efforts towards lasting peace and prosperity for the Yemeni people. Given recent events, our priority must now be stabilization. After 11 years of conflict and insecurity, we must renew efforts towards dialogue and a comprehensive political settlement to provide the Yemeni people with the future they deserve. In this regard, we welcome the Southern Dialogue Conference announced by the Yemen Government and to be hosted by Saudi Arabia. Secondly, we reiterate the Council’s call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained by the Houthis. The United Kingdom strongly condemns the recent death sentences issued by the Houthi authorities and the continued detention of aid workers. Those actions flagrantly violate fundamental rights and due process. Lastly, we must not lose sight of the fact that Yemen remains one of the most acute humanitarian crises in the world. The 2026 humanitarian response plan projects that 21 million people will be in need of assistance — an increase of 1.5 million since last year. As we heard from Mr. Rajasingham, levels of food insecurity remain worryingly high, with pockets of famine in parts of the country and growing rates of malnutrition among children. With less funding available, the United Nations is rightly focused on a global humanitarian reset to pursue greater localization and prioritization of humanitarian responses. If we act now, together with the United Nations, international non-governmental organizations and Yemeni non- governmental organizations, we can reach the most vulnerable people and limit already severe levels of suffering. As we have heard from Special Envoy Grundberg, despite the many challenges, there remains hope for Yemen. The United Kingdom is steadfast in its support for the role of the Special Envoy and for an intra-Yemeni peace process under United Nations auspices to help build a more hopeful future.

I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Director Rajasingham for their briefings. I welcome the presence of the representatives of Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates at today’s meeting. For some time now, the situation in Yemen has been volatile, with the peace process deadlocked, armed conflict persisting and the humanitarian situation deteriorating rapidly. Recent developments in southern Yemen have captured global attention. China hopes that, in the new year, the international community will work together to advance progress on the Yemeni issue, help Yemen end the conflict and restore stability and bring the hope of peace to the Yemeni people. I wish to share three expectations. First, we expect progress in advancing the political dialogue to achieve tangible results. The international community broadly recognizes the legitimate Government of Yemen. China supports efforts to uphold Yemen’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. We welcome the Riyadh dialogue among Yemen’s southern factions and call on parties to resolve differences and disputes through political dialogue, to create conditions for restoring peace and tranquility in Yemen at an early date. We welcome the new prisoner exchange agreement reached between the legitimate Government of Yemen and the Houthis, which is an important step in rebuilding trust. China supports Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other regional countries and the international community in playing a constructive role in the political settlement of the Yemeni issue. Secondly, we expect progress in achieving positive results in maintaining security and stability. The protracted situation in Yemen has long demonstrated that military means cannot achieve the desired objectives and that armed conflict only inflicts further harm. We call on all parties in Yemen to prioritize the interests of the Yemeni people, exercise maximum calm and restraint, avoid triggering new conflicts and take steady steps towards establishing a nationwide ceasefire. China notes the Secretary-General’s reports indicating that since last October the Houthis have ceased attacks on commercial vessels. We urge the Houthis to respect the right of commercial vessels from all countries to navigate the Red Sea in accordance with international law and to maintain the safety of shipping lanes. Relevant parties should respect Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and cease attacks against Yemen. Thirdly, we expect progress in improving the humanitarian situation markedly. We call on the international community to provide more assistance to Yemen, ensure adequate resources for the United Nations humanitarian operations in Yemen and help alleviate the food crisis in the country. All parties should comply with international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and ensure that United Nations agencies in particular are not targeted. China once again calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained United Nations personnel, stressing that such detention is unacceptable. The situation in the Red Sea highlights the spillover effects of the Gaza conflict. Without a genuine, comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, stability in the Red Sea cannot be fully restored. Although the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement has been reached, the prospect of peace remains elusive. We urge the full implementation of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, the cessation of all violations of the ceasefire and full humanitarian access. We call on the international community to expedite the implementation of the two-State solution and promote a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question. China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the Yemeni issue and restoring peace and stability in the Middle East.

I would like to thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Director Rajasingham of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva for their briefings today. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representatives of Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in the meeting. Greece remains deeply concerned about the continued fragility of the situation in Yemen. Recent developments highlight the persistent risks of escalation, further political fragmentation and worsening humanitarian conditions. These trends underscore the urgent need for sustained de-escalation and continuous engagement towards a comprehensive political settlement. I would like to raise five points. First, let us be clear: there can be no military solution to the conflict in Yemen. We call on all parties to exercise restraint, reinforce dialogue and enhance diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions that could provoke further destabilization in Yemen and the wider region. We reaffirm our full respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Yemen and our support for the Yemeni Government in its efforts to ensure peace, stability and the well-being of its people. We call upon all parties to engage constructively and in good faith in an inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process under the auspices of the United Nations, with the full and meaningful participation of all. In this context, we welcome the upcoming conference in Riyadh, announced by Saudi Arabia, as a step towards fostering dialogue and regional cooperation, aimed at a sustainable solution to the challenges facing Yemen. We further reaffirm our steadfast support for the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, in facilitating an inclusive dialogue aimed at achieving a durable and sustainable peace. Secondly, we condemn in the strongest terms the illegal referral by the Houthis of the humanitarian staff and diplomatic personnel, including those of the United Nations and non-governmental organizations, to special criminal courts — an act that flagrantly violates international humanitarian law and the fundamental principles of diplomatic protection. Any detention, harassment or obstruction of United Nations and humanitarian personnel is unacceptable and must end immediately. We stand firmly behind the ongoing efforts of the Special Envoy, the Special Senior Advisor and regional partners to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of those arbitrarily detained. The safety, rights and dignity of United Nations personnel, as well as the security of United Nations offices and assets, must be fully respected, safeguarded and protected at all times to allow the United Nations to carry out its vital humanitarian work. Thirdly, the humanitarian situation remains alarming. Millions of Yemenis continue to rely on humanitarian assistance for their survival, while access constraints and insecurity increasingly hamper relief operations. We stress the obligation of all parties to respect international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout the country. Fourthly, Greece warmly commends Oman for its constructive and effective mediation, which enabled the safe release, transfer and repatriation of the remaining crew members of the commercial vessel MV Eternity C, who had been held hostage by the Houthis for six months. This successful effort underscores the critical role of dialogue and cooperation in resolving maritime security crises. Fifthly, we reiterate the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation as absolutely necessary prerequisites for conducting global trade and guaranteeing unimpeded passage via sea routes. The Red Sea constitutes a vital waterway for the region and the world, and the Houthis continue to pose a serious and destabilizing threat in this regard. Greece calls on all relevant stakeholders to work collectively to establish credible security guarantees and measures, in strict adherence to international law, to ensure the safety of seafarers, vessels and maritime commerce. Greece will continue to support regional and international initiatives and to provide its leadership to the Europe Union Naval Force Operation Aspides, in line with Security Council resolutions and in full respect of international law.

We thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Director Rajasingham for their comprehensive briefings. Pakistan remains deeply concerned about the protracted conflict in Yemen, particularly on the recent turn of events and resurgence of violence. Despite sustained diplomatic engagement and regional efforts, these developments risk reversing fragile gains and pushing the country towards further instability. At this critical juncture, restraint and renewed commitment to dialogue and de-escalation are essential, in our view, to put Yemen back on a credible path towards peace and reconciliation. Pakistan reaffirms its firm commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen, which constitute an indispensable foundation for lasting peace and stability in the country. We strongly oppose unilateral actions by any Yemeni party that risk deepening divisions, escalating tensions and undermining peace efforts, all with adverse consequences for the Yemeni people, Yemen and the wider region. Pakistan reiterates its support for a Yemeni-owned and Yemeni-led political process, grounded in full respect for Yemen’s institutions and the internationally recognized political framework. We support the Special Envoy’s call for a comprehensive, inclusive nationwide process. We encourage all Yemeni stakeholders and regional partners to engage constructively towards an inclusive and durable political settlement that reflects the aspirations of all Yemeni people and safeguards regional peace and stability. Pakistan welcomes regional efforts aimed at fostering an environment conducive to dialogue and reconciliation. In this regard, we welcome the call by the Presidential Leadership Council to convene comprehensive talks in Riyadh, facilitated by Saudi Arabia, and urge all Yemeni stakeholders to engage constructively and in good faith towards a negotiated political solution based on agreed parameters. Pakistan supports the active role of the United Nations and the Special Envoy and appreciates his recent engagements in the region, including meetings in Riyadh, Cairo and Muscat. We echo his assessment that a comprehensive and inclusive political solution is the only path to achieving a sustainable settlement to the conflict in Yemen and ensuring regional peace and security and stability. Pakistan strongly condemns the continued arbitrary detention of United Nations and humanitarian personnel, diplomatic staff and the unlawful seizure of United Nations premises and assets in areas under Houthi control. These actions reflect a blatant disregard for international law and fundamental humanitarian norms, undermine humanitarian operations and impede the delivery of life-saving assistance to millions of Yemenis in need. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained personnel and for full respect for the privileges and immunities of United Nations personnel, facilities and assets, in accordance with international law. As we have been briefed again today, the humanitarian situation in Yemen remains deeply alarming. Millions require urgent humanitarian assistance. Basic services continue to collapse, and food insecurity and malnutrition remain acute. This demands swift, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access, alongside predictable and adequate funding, to address the dire needs of the suffering population. The widening funding gap must be addressed urgently to sustain life-saving operations. The Security Council must continue to act with unity to support a credible pathway towards peace and stability in Yemen. Pakistan fully supports the diplomatic efforts being undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards this end and commends the efforts of other regional countries, including Oman and the United Arab Emirates. We hope that these efforts will result in concrete steps towards achieving lasting peace and an end to the suffering of the Yemeni people. Pakistan will work constructively with all Council members, and we reaffirm our steadfast solidarity with the people and the Government of Yemen during these challenging times.

Colombia would like to thank the presidency for convening and facilitating this briefing on the situation in Yemen. Colombia also extends its appreciation to the Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for Yemen, Mr. Hans Grundberg, and to Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of the Humanitarian Sector Division and Head and Representative of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva. We would also like to welcome the representatives of Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to this meeting. For Colombia, this issue is of special relevance within the context of our commitment to the peaceful settlement of conflicts and the protection of human rights, which are the pillars of our foreign policy and our experience in building peace. The food crisis in Yemen has reached alarming levels. There is a real risk of famine in several areas, driven by the prolonged conflict, economic collapse, restrictions on humanitarian access and recent climate impacts such as floods that destroyed crops and essential infrastructure. Colombia emphasizes that the international response must be immediate and coordinated. It is important to facilitate humanitarian and logistical access, ensuring that the United Nations can operate without hindrance, and to prioritize the delivery of food, agricultural supplies and nutritional services to prevent a greater catastrophe. The drastic reduction in assistance planned for 2026 due to lack of funding will worsen the situation, which is why we call upon donors to close the funding gaps and prevent the crisis from evolving into a widespread famine. We also urge the parties to the conflict to allow humanitarian access and to protect civilian infrastructure, including ports and roads, which are essential for the delivery of aid. Colombia reaffirms that food security in Yemen is not only a humanitarian imperative but also a requirement for regional stability and the building of sustainable peace. Furthermore, Colombia states in the strongest terms that the immediate release of detained humanitarian personnel and respect for international humanitarian law are minimum conditions. The United Nations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the heads of agencies such as UNICEF, the World Food Programme and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights have vigorously condemned these detentions, underscoring the violation of immunities, the arbitrary nature of the arrests and the intolerable conditions of detention. Colombia reiterates its firm support for an inclusive intra-Yemeni political process which allows all parties involved to participate in building sustainable peace. Colombia also urges the continuation of mediation efforts between the parties to the conflict, including the resumption of dialogue and the advancement of a political process under the auspices of the United Nations, as the only way to end the crisis and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people. Colombia is of the view that the mission should maintain a presence in Yemen, focusing on essential tasks under the Hudaydah Agreement, under the Office of the Special Envoy. This minimal presence is necessary to continue advancing the political process between the parties, to support the release of detainees and to facilitate the access of humanitarian assistance. Otherwise, the crisis could worsen and tensions on the ground could increase. The search for a solution to the prolonged political and humanitarian crisis in Yemen must remain on the agenda of the Security Council, together with efforts to ensure the protection of civilians and of United Nations personnel. Colombia reaffirms its commitment to an inclusive and sustainable political solution based on international law, the preservation of Yemen’s territorial unity and humanitarian protection. Colombia also draws on its experience in peacebuilding to highlight the importance of promoting consensus and measures that prioritize dialogue over coercion and cooperation over confrontation.

We thank the presidency of the Council for convening this meeting, as well as the Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for Yemen, Mr. Hans Grundberg, and the Head and Representative of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Geneva, Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, for their briefings. We welcome the representatives of Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, whom we are honoured to have with us. During our term on the Security Council, we have followed with particular attention the developments in Yemen, a context marked by persistent instability and volatility. The continued humanitarian deterioration in Yemen is a cause of deep concern, a lamentable situation that Mr. Rajasingham has described to us in great detail. The civilian population continues to pay the highest price for the conflict, trapped among multiple armed actors, institutional fragmentation and economic collapse, and facing forced displacement, acute food insecurity and increasingly limited access to essential services. Our attention to this item is reinforced by the fact that, since our previous statement (see S/PV.9996), we have witnessed some of the most significant changes in the political landscape of the country, in particular the configuration and distribution of power, including the advances of the Southern Transitional Council, the consolidation of its control over strategic areas in the south and its subsequent sudden dissolution, developments that raise concern and underline the need to prioritize the national agenda. While we recognize the substantial role of regional mediators, who for years have provided the space and support necessary to move towards a solution and preserve stability, we firmly reiterate our position regarding the central role of the Yemenis themselves in the adoption of decisions concerning their future and their governance. We also reiterate our full support for the Special Envoy, Mr. Hans Grundberg, whose work as an intermediary has been fundamental to facilitating dialogue and allowing us to gain a clearer and more accurate understanding of the situation on the ground. Likewise, we wish to recognize the role of the United Nations Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement, which since its establishment has contributed significantly to the implementation of the Stockholm Agreement, mediating the reduction of tensions and the promotion of confidence among the parties. Panama reiterates its urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release of all persons arbitrarily detained by the Houthis, many of whom have remained deprived of liberty for months and even years. Among them are representatives of the United Nations and of national and international non-governmental organizations, as well as members of civil society and the diplomatic corps. In this context, we strongly condemn the recent actions of the Houthis, who, through the use of their illegal Specialized Criminal Court, seek to repress and violate the fundamental rights of arbitrarily detained persons. We also underscore the importance of maintaining our focus on security in the Red Sea; although the situation has shown a certain level of stability in recent months, the acts of violence that we witnessed previously and that caused loss of life and economic losses must not be repeated. In view of the foregoing, we reiterate the importance of the Council maintaining its constant attention on developments in Yemen, considering their impact on regional stability, maritime security and the grave humanitarian situation. And we call for the promotion of a genuine, inclusive and representative dialogue that allows the interests of all parties to be reflected in a balanced manner.

I would like to thank Mr. Hans Grundberg, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, and Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham for their valuable briefings. I also welcome the participation of the brotherly countries in this meeting. The Kingdom of Bahrain follows with great interest recent developments in Yemen and expresses its concern regarding the repercussions of the escalation of tensions on the country’s sovereignty, unity and independence, and the resulting risks to regional security and stability. My country calls for adherence to calm and self-restraint and for wisdom and reason to prevail in a manner that supports endeavours to establish a lasting peace that ends the war, consolidates stability and opens new horizons for development and prosperity, meeting the aspirations of the brotherly Yemeni people. The Kingdom of Bahrain renews its firm position supporting the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Yemen and the necessity of settling the Yemeni crisis through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions, foremost among them resolution 2216 (2015). The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomes and supports the Yemeni initiative to convene a conference in Riyadh to gather all southern components at the dialogue table to discuss just solutions for the southern question. We appreciate the response of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to host this conference, considering it a positive step towards ending tension and escalation and pursuing dialogue and diplomatic solutions, in a manner that takes into account the supreme interests of the brotherly Republic of Yemen and supports regional security and stability. My country affirms that the only path to achieve this goal is dialogue within the comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis. The Kingdom of Bahrain also supports the efforts of the Special Envoy, Mr. Hans Grundberg, with all Yemeni parties to relaunch the stalled political process under the auspices of the United Nations. We also commend the continuous endeavours made by both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman to achieve this end. Various parts of Yemen are witnessing urgent humanitarian needs, and we are gravely concerned about the worsening of food insecurity to unprecedented levels. The provision of aid in these difficult situations is a humanitarian duty that requires a safe working environment and access to those most in need. In this context, we commend the unremitting efforts of humanitarian workers to save lives, despite the increasing risks they face and the campaign of arbitrary arrests that led to the detention of 73 United Nations agency workers in Yemen by the Houthis, including from the World Food Programme, UNICEF and the United Nations Development Programme. The Kingdom of Bahrain condemns such arbitrary actions and the invalid judicial proceedings against the detainees. We reiterate our demand that the Council and the Secretary-General expedite their immediate and unconditional release. My country voted in favour of resolution 2812 (2026) to reaffirm our firm and principled position on security of navigation in the Red Sea and to condemn attacks on ships — the economic lifeline of the world — as such attacks constitute a threat to freedom of navigation and international trade. The situation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait remains a cause for concern even though Houthi attacks on maritime navigation have decreased. The threat remains, and the security and economic risks remain high. We therefore supported the extension of the reporting mandate pursuant to resolution 2722 (2024).

We thank Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, and Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of the Humanitarian Sector Division and Representative of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva, for their briefings. We welcome the participation of the representatives of Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in today’s meeting. We are concerned about the escalation in the south-eastern provinces of the country as a result of clashes among various factions within the pro-Government forces, including the Southern Transitional Council of Yemen. The current wave of tensions is already adversely affecting the socioeconomic life of the country, which has seen power outages and a surge in the number of internally displaced persons forced to leave their homes in an attempt to escape the violence. Thus far, the situation has been kept from spiralling out of control thanks to the concerted efforts of regional stakeholders to stabilize the situation. We urge all parties involved to refrain from harsh rhetoric and, above all, acts of force. Any differences within the internationally recognized Yemeni authorities should be resolved exclusively through diplomatic means. Responsible members of the international community should take steps to help the Yemenis to overcome the consequences of this crisis. The Russian Federation has consistently encouraged normalization within Yemen. Under the pretext of turmoil in the Red Sea, a comprehensive settlement in Yemen has effectively been put on hold. As a result, precious time has been lost, leading to the inevitable: fresh problematic factors and hotbeds of instability have entered the Yemeni equation. We call on the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy for Yemen to immediately step up efforts towards reconciliation among the Yemeni protagonists and the establishment of sustainable mechanisms through which they can interact with one another, with a view to launching an inclusive dialogue. It is high time to finalize the road map for a comprehensive settlement of the Yemeni crisis, the main parameters of which were previously agreed by key Yemeni and regional players. In our view, although this document needs to be fine-tuned to reflect the current situation, it remains relevant. We also point to the need to reconsider the relevant regulatory framework, including resolution 2216 (2015). To that end, we will continue to engage constructively with the official Yemeni authorities, all influential political forces in this friendly nation and Russia’s partners in the region. By all accounts, all the Yemeni protagonists are showing a willingness to resume full-fledged negotiations with their adversaries. One important step towards fostering mutual trust was the next stage of the exchange of prisoners of war, as agreed with Muscat’s mediation at the end of December 2025, and that swap, entailing the planned release of approximately 3,000 individuals, is set to be the biggest of the Yemeni crisis. We urge the parties to continue working to find compromises on humanitarian issues, as it is precisely such policies involving small steps that will help to overcome mutual distrust. The ongoing detentions of United Nations and humanitarian agency staff by the Ansar Allah movement are a cause for concern. It is important that all forces with influence on the authorities in Sana’a continue to pursue quiet diplomacy to secure the release of the innocent. We understand why the leadership of the United Nations took the difficult decision to suspend humanitarian operations in the north of the country. We trust that those measures will be temporary. We remain convinced that there is no alternative to maintaining the United Nations presence throughout the entire territory of Yemen — a necessity owing to the critical humanitarian situation in the northern provinces, which accounts for approximately 70 per cent of all humanitarian needs of the civilian population, and the need to maintain working contacts with all Yemeni parties, including the Houthis. Furthermore, we believe that the activities of the United Nations Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement, unlike the redundant reports on the situation in the Red Sea, are much needed and constitute a tangible stabilizing factor on the ground. We are convinced that in order to take a balanced decision about the future of the Mission, it is important for Council members to correctly assess the gamut of factors and consider the political consequences of such a step for the Yemeni settlement and its possible impact on the military, political and humanitarian situation.

I thank today’s briefers. The United States remains concerned about recent events in south-eastern Yemen. We urge restraint and continued diplomacy in seeking a lasting solution. We remain supportive of all efforts to advance our shared security interests. We continue to support the Republic of Yemen’s Government and the Presidential Leadership Council in enhancing Yemen’s security and stability. We look to regional partners to support a Yemeni Government that is united in purpose and to counter the Houthi terrorists and the threat that they pose to regional security and the freedom of navigation. The Houthis’ continued detention of staff of the United Nations, civil society organizations, diplomatic missions, including the United States mission, exemplify the continued terrorist threat that the Houthis pose. We condemn these detentions and the launching of sham trials for some of the detainees. Once again, we call on the Houthis to immediately and unconditionally release all of these detainees. The Council must also act to counter the Houthi threat by depriving them of the resources for their terrorist activities. We urge United Nations Member States to follow the United States’ lead and designate and sanction the Houthis as a terrorist organization. Lastly, all Member States have an obligation to implement United Nations sanctions. Iran and others continue to defy the Council’s resolutions by supplying the Houthis with arms and related material and with military, logistical and intelligence support. These actions should carry consequences, including designation by the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014) — the Yemen sanctions Committee —of those who fail to fully implement United Nations sanctions on the Houthis and their allies. The United States strongly supports United Nations mechanisms that restrict the resources fuelling Houthi terrorist activities, especially the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism. Conversely, the United Nations Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement has failed to gain traction in the face of Houthi obstructionism. We urge Council members to support sunsetting this Mission at the end of this month.

I would like to thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Director Rajasingham for their briefings. The recent escalation in the south of Yemen is a cause for grave concern, as it threatens the country’s fragile stability. Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must be respected, and we express our continued support for the Presidential Leadership Council and the Government of Yemen. Denmark calls for de-escalation through a return to dialogue and encourages all relevant parties to engage constructively in ongoing efforts. All political differences must be settled to re-establish conditions conducive to negotiating a nationwide comprehensive political settlement to the conflict. We reaffirm our full support for the United Nations-led peace process and the efforts of Special Envoy Grundberg in this regard. As we enter a new year, many families regrettably continue to miss their loved ones, with 73 United Nations staff members brutally held in Houthi captivity. Denmark condemns the latest detention of a further 14 United Nations staff members, as well as the illegal referral of three United Nations staff members to the so-called Houthi specialized criminal court. We strongly urge the Houthis to reverse course. All staff from the United Nations, civil society, non-governmental organizations and diplomatic missions must be released immediately and unconditionally. The immunities of United Nations personnel must always be respected — in Yemen and across the globe. We express our full support for the United Nations in taking the necessary precautions to guarantee the safety of its staff members. While these unacceptable detentions continue, the humanitarian situation grows worse by the day. Denmark is deeply worried about rising food insecurity and its consequences, especially for the children of Yemen. With food insecurity expected to worsen over the coming period, more parents in Yemen will be forced to make impossible choices: to sell their property and land today to feed their children tomorrow, to force their children to work instead of going to school, or to marry off their youngest daughters, some even before they turn 15. Without immediate action, we risk losing an entire generation. More financing is urgently needed to address the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen and to ensure that aid reaches those in need. Last year, Denmark contributed more than $5 million to the Yemen Humanitarian Fund. We encourage continued and increased engagement from other countries to help close the financing gap. In closing, the latest agreement between the Houthis and the Government of Yemen to exchange 2,900 conflict-related detainees demonstrates that progress is achievable and offers a glimmer of hope. Denmark calls on all stakeholders to build on this and to ensure that this hope is not lost. As long as conflict and division continue to wreak havoc across Yemen, the Yemeni people will continue to suffer. Setting differences aside and finally focusing on bringing peace, security and prosperity to Yemen through dialogue is the only viable path forward.

I would first like to thank Mr. Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, and Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, Director and Representative of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva, for their briefings. With regard to the crisis that began in December in the south and east of the country, France reaffirms its commitment to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen, as well as to the prerogatives of the legitimate Government and the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council. We support diplomatic efforts towards a political solution based on these parameters. We welcome President Al-Alimi’s call for inclusive dialogue in support of a settlement of the question of southern Yemen. France recalls the importance of the legitimate Government and the Presidential Leadership Council remaining united and fully functional in the interest of the Yemeni people. The Houthis must cease their policy of destabilization in Yemen, as they continue to pose a threat to regional security and maritime traffic. They must put an end to their attacks. France supported the renewal of the framework established by resolution 2722 (2024), on maritime security in the Red Sea, including through its vote in favour of resolution 2812 (2026) earlier today. France will continue its commitment under the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy defensive operation, the European Union Naval Force Operation Aspides, to protect maritime security and the freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law and in coordination with its European and international partners. France also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all personnel of the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and diplomatic missions arbitrarily detained by the Houthis. In December, the Security Council reiterated its condemnation of these detentions and its call for the release of those detained (see SC/16265). Such acts are contrary to international law. They endanger the safety of personnel and hinder the delivery of humanitarian assistance that the Yemeni population desperately needs. This unacceptable behaviour by the Houthis obstructs any progress in the political process. Finally, France reaffirms its full support for the work of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, whose efforts are essential. France calls on all Yemeni parties to engage in good faith in the resumption of a political process under the auspices of the United Nations.

I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Director Rajasingham for their briefings. I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representatives of Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in this meeting today. I would like to commend the Special Envoy for his leadership, together with the International Committee of the Red Cross, in facilitating the recent agreement in Muscat on the release of conflict-related detainees. It is a tangible step forward amid deep political divisions, and we urge all parties to ensure the agreement’s swift and effective implementation and to use this momentum to pursue further confidence- building measures that reduce tensions and create trust. At the same time, over the past month, we have witnessed deeply troubling unilateral and secessionist actions by the Southern Transitional Council. Such moves pose a risk of fragmentation, weaken already fragile State institutions and, more importantly, deepen the daily insecurity faced by ordinary Yemeni people. In this regard, we welcome the upcoming intra-south dialogue in Riyadh. Latvia reaffirms its support for the Government of Yemen and for the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen, as emphasized in various Security Council resolutions, the most recent of which is resolution 2801 (2025). A comprehensive political process is of vital importance to securing a mutually acceptable peaceful solution that safeguards unity within the Presidential Leadership Council and the future of the Yemeni people. In this context, and with regard to Yemen as a whole, we affirm our full support for the Special Envoy’s continued efforts towards an inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process. For such a process to succeed, inclusion must be genuine. Full, equal, safe and meaningful participation of diverse groups, in particular women, in peace efforts and political decision-making is essential to building durable peace in Yemen. Latvia remains gravely concerned about the picture presented yet again in today’s OCHA briefing. The assessment of the impact of the crisis on children and families across Yemen, including widespread hunger, is especially stark. We note with alarm that humanitarian needs are also rapidly increasing in southern governorates. All parties must fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access. Women must be free to move safely and without restriction. This essential freedom also enables humanitarian assistance to reach those who need it most across Yemen. Finally, Latvia strongly condemns the continued detention of United Nations personnel by the Houthis. These arbitrary arrests are unacceptable and strike at the very heart of humanitarian response. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all detained United Nations humanitarian personnel, as well as staff from non-governmental organizations, civil society and diplomatic missions. In conclusion, as this is my first intervention in the Council on Yemen, I wish to reassure the Council that Latvia will be a staunch supporter of United Nations-led efforts to achieve peace and stability in Yemen and a vocal and steadfast advocate for the women and peace and security agenda, the children and armed conflict agenda and for ensuring humanitarian access and the protection of civilians in Yemen.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Somalia. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council (A3), namely the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia and my own country, Somalia. We thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham for their comprehensive update on the humanitarian situation in Yemen. We welcome the participation of the Permanent Representatives of Yemen, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in this meeting. The A3 remains deeply concerned about the continuing fragility of the situation in Yemen, which persists at the intersection of political uncertainty, humanitarian distress and a regional security risk. While large-scale hostilities have not returned to previous levels, recent developments underscore how quickly localized tensions can escalate and place civilians, humanitarian operations and political processes at risk. The A3 reaffirms its strong support for the United Nations-led mediation efforts and for the role of the Special Envoy in facilitating an inclusive Yemeni-owned and Yemeni-led political process. In this context, we are closely following the development in the south and the east of the country, where tensions between the Government of Yemen and the Southern Transitional Council have underscored the fragility of existing arrangements. At the same time, the A3 welcomes the Riyadh process and takes note of the Southern Transitional Council’s recent announcement of its disbandment. Recent signs of de-escalation on the ground over the past several days, including shifts in territorial control and steps that have contributed to improved stability in parts of Aden, the reopening of Aden airport and the lifting of the curfews are positive developments, particularly from a humanitarian and civilian protection perspective. We encourage all parties to consolidate these gains through restraint, dialogue and adherence to existing commitments, and to avoid actions that could reverse the progress. The A3 stresses that political cohesion among Yemeni actors remains essential. Internal rivalries and unilateral measures risk further fragmenting the country and undermining the prospect for a durable settlement. We therefore urge Yemeni parties to engage constructively in the dialogue, including within ongoing discussions, and to prioritize the broader national interests of the Yemeni people over short-term political calculations. We thank the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and its partners for their continued humanitarian efforts under extremely challenging conditions. While the situation in Aden has improved sufficiently to allow humanitarian operations to continue, activities outside the city remain cautious. Recent clashes have affected hundreds of households in Hadramawt, and while some areas have seen relative stabilization, conditions on the ground do not yet allow for a clear assessment regarding the safe, voluntary and dignified return of internally displaced persons. The A3 agrees that it remains too early to determine whether such returns can be facilitated, noting that premature movement could lead to further displacement and heightened vulnerability. The A3 remains deeply concerned about the situation in the north of the country, where there has been no significant change. We reiterate our grave concern regarding the continued detention of United Nations personnel and other staff by the Houthis. The prolonged detention of dozens of individuals, including those whose legal status remains unclear, is unacceptable. We call for their immediate and unconditional release and urge all parties with influence to continue engaging in good faith to resolve this issue swiftly. The humanitarian situation in Yemen remains among the most severe globally. The A3 is alarmed by persistent funding shortfalls, with last year’s response plan significantly underfunded and 2026 projections indicating continued global constraints on humanitarian financing. We call on donor countries to maintain and, where possible, increase support for life-saving assistance, while emphasizing the importance of timely, flexible and predictable funding. The A3 strongly encourages all Yemeni parties to demonstrate renewed urgency and responsibility in advancing the Yemeni-owned and Yemeni-led political process and calls on all stakeholders in Yemen to engage constructively at this critical juncture in order to move decisively towards a sustainable political settlement. In closing, the A3 reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Yemen’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence. We underscore that Yemen’s path to lasting peace lies not in military escalation or political division, but in dialogue, compromise and sustained international engagement. The Security Council must be united in supporting the de-escalation, humanitarian access and meaningful progress towards the negotiation of a political settlement that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Yemen.

First, allow me to congratulate you, Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman, and your brotherly country, Somalia, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month, and I wish you every success in managing the Council’s work. I also extend thanks to your predecessor, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Slovenia, for his efforts during his presidency last month. I welcome the new Council members and express the appreciation of the Republic of Yemen to the outgoing members for their contributions to the maintenance of international peace and security. I also thank Mr. Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, and Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham for their briefings. I stand before the Council today at a different moment in modern Yemeni history — a moment in which it has begun to restore the reins of its sovereign decision- making and the unity of its security and military decision-making, after years of fragmentation, competing authorities and the exploitation of the vacuum by militias and armed groups operating outside the law. In recent days, with support from the leadership of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, the Yemeni State has successfully carried out a broad national operation to take over military camps in the liberated governorates, starting with Hadramawt and Mahrah, all the way to the interim capital, Aden, and the remaining governorates. This operation was carried out in accordance with the highest professional and legal standards, consistent with the rules of international humanitarian law and in strict adherence with the principles of the protection of civilians, the preservation of public and private property and the avoidance of any acts of retaliation. Amid these recent developments in our country, it must be clearly stated that the terrorist Houthi militias remain the primary enemy of the Yemeni people and the fundamental and true cause of all that Yemen has suffered for over a decade. Since their coup against the national consensus, these rogue militias have destroyed State institutions, seized their resources and plunged the country into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. They have also transformed Yemen into a platform for threatening regional and international security by targeting waterways, smuggling weapons and collaborating with cross-border terrorist organizations. The continued hijacking of Yemeni State institutions by these militias in the service of the Iranian project and their imposition of a reality by force of arms not only threaten Yemen but also undermine security and stability in the region and the world. Hence, the Republic of Yemen affirms that any approach to peace that ignores the need to end the Houthi coup, disarm those militias and restore State institutions will lead only to prolonging the conflict, deepening the suffering of civilians and paving the way for more chaos, extremism and absurd Iranian wars. What has been achieved in recent weeks was not merely a security measure but a necessary step to put a final end to the logic of uncontrolled weapons and military formations with multiple loyalties, which have undermined stability, threatened the social fabric, opened dangerous gaps exploited by terrorist groups and Houthi militias alike and weakened the confidence of the international community in Yemeni State institutions. This was accompanied by courageous sovereign decisions taken by the Presidential Leadership Council and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi. These included the declaration of a state of emergency in accordance with the Constitution, the law and the references for the transitional period, in addition to the correction of the path of partnership within the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen. This ensures clarity of roles, unity of command and respect for the sovereignty of the Republic of Yemen, serving our common goals of ending the Houthi coup supported by the Iranian regime, combating terrorism and protecting waterways. The Republic of Yemen wishes to reassure the Council that the operation to take control of the camps and deter unilateral measures was a national necessity for the sake of the unity of the Presidential Leadership Council and the Government. It was necessary to prevent the country from sliding into total chaos, which would inevitably have served the interests of the Houthi militias and the terrorist organizations collaborating with them, threatening regional security, international navigation and global energy supplies. Experience has unequivocally proven that supporting uncontrolled militias under any pretext does not serve the fight against terrorism; rather, it transforms Member States into theatres of proxy conflict, undermines the foundations of the national State and compounds the cost of crises for the region and the international community. In parallel with security measures, the Yemeni Government affirms its full commitment to human rights and the rule of law. In this context, the President, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has directed the closure of all illegal detention centres, the release of those detained outside the framework of the law, the opening of transparent investigations and the assurance of non-repetition of past grievances. The State also commits to providing reparations to victims, caring for the families of martyrs and treating the wounded, considering justice and reparation as a basic pillar of any sustainable peace. In this context, we highly value the efforts led by the United Nations on the file of prisoners and detainees, and we point to the recent negotiations hosted by the brotherly Sultanate of Oman, which led to important progress on this file. The Yemeni Government affirms that it will continue to work closely with the Special Envoy to ensure the success of this humanitarian track, alleviating the suffering of thousands of Yemeni families and building the confidence necessary for any comprehensive peace process. It also affirms its full readiness to provide all forms of cooperation and facilities necessary for the unconditional release of the United Nations and humanitarian organization employees detained by the terrorist Houthi militias, ensuring the resumption of their work and their great services without threat or blackmail. The just southern question remains at the forefront of the priorities of the Presidential Leadership Council, as a political and national issue that cannot be reduced or monopolized in its representation, nor addressed through the militarization of political life or reinforced by arms and external support. The presidential call for a comprehensive South-South dialogue, under the generous patronage of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aims to open a serious political horizon that returns the issue to its true owners and ensures that it is addressed justly, based on popular will and in normal and safe circumstances. We seize this occasion to express our extreme appreciation for the sincere brotherly role undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — its leadership, Government and people — in supporting constitutional legitimacy, alleviating humanitarian suffering and sponsoring the path of safe political transition in Yemen, born out of its realization that Yemen’s security and stability are an integral part of the security of the region. Despite the complexities of the current phase, the Yemeni Government has not abandoned its economic and livelihood responsibilities. It has continued to pay the salaries of civil servants and to proceed with financial and administrative reforms and the economic recovery programme, in cooperation with regional and international partners. We also affirm that the Government and all State institutions will commence their work from within the country in the coming days, paving the way for a phase of institutional stability, improved services and enhanced confidence among citizens and the donor community. The formation of the Supreme Military Committee, in coordination with the leadership of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, represents a pivotal step towards unifying the armed forces, security forces and all military and security formations under the umbrella of the Ministries of Defence and the Interior, in implementation of the Riyadh Agreement. It aims to build a professional national military institution capable of protecting the country and fighting the battle to restore State institutions, whether peacefully or militarily, as the supreme national interest requires. Peace in Yemen is still possible, but it requires a serious partner and a firmer international approach that moves from managing the conflict to supporting the State, and from containing the threat to ending it. It has become certain, considering the ruin left by the coup of the Houthi militias, that the stability of Yemen is no longer solely an internal affair but a common regional and international interest. Any complacency in supporting the Yemeni State today will mean prolonging the conflict, deepening the humanitarian crisis and compounding the future cost to security and the economy. In conclusion, Yemen today, like brotherly Somalia, seeks to be a force for stability, not a source of threat. This is a historic moment that the Council and the international community must seize by supporting these transformations and aiding them with sincerity, for the sake of building the just and sustainable peace that all our peoples deserve.

I now give the floor to the representative of Saudi Arabia.

At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, and your Mission on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. We also congratulate and welcome the new members of the Council and thank the previous members for their efforts during the past two years and their contribution to the Council’s work. We also thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Mr. Hans Grundberg, and the Director of the Humanitarian Sector Division of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva, Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, for their briefings. My country affirms its support for the President, the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni Government in achieving security, stability, development and peace; meeting the aspirations of the brotherly Yemeni people and focusing on unity of ranks and reaching peaceful solutions to address the situation in the brotherly Republic of Yemen. We note that the military movements in the provinces of Hadramawt and Mahrah by the Southern Transitional Council on 2 December 2025 were carried out unilaterally, without the approval of the Presidential Leadership Council or coordination with the coalition’s leadership, leading to an unjustified escalation that harmed the interests of every segment of the population of Yemen, the southern cause and the efforts of the coalition. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been working with the coalition forces, the President of the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni Government to contain the situation. A military team was sent to make the necessary arrangements with the Southern Transitional Council in Aden to ensure the return of the Southern Transitional Council forces in Aden to their previous positions outside the two governorates and the handover of the camps there to forces affiliated with the legitimate Government and local authorities. My country is deeply concerned about the military operations by the Southern Transitional Council on the southern borders of the Kingdom in the governorates of Hadramawt and Mahrah, as they pose a threat to the national security of the Kingdom and the security and stability of the Republic of Yemen and the region. Furthermore, these steps by the Southern Transitional Council are extremely dangerous and inconsistent with the founding principles of the coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen and do not serve its efforts to achieve security and stability in Yemen. My country underscores that any violation or threat to its national security is a red line and that the Kingdom will not hesitate to take all the necessary steps and measures to address and neutralize it. The Kingdom welcomed the agreement signed in the sisterly Sultanate of Oman on 23 December 2025 on an exchange of prisoners and detainees in Yemen, which is an important humanitarian step that contributes to alleviating human suffering and building trust. My country commends the sincere efforts and generous endeavours of the Sultanate of Oman in hosting and sponsoring the talks and supporting the negotiation efforts. We also commend the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Mr. Hans Grundberg, the International Committee of the Red Cross and all the parties involved in those negotiations. The Kingdom has heeded the request of His Excellency Mr. Rashad Al-Alimi, President of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen, to hold an inclusive conference in Riyadh that brings together all southern stakeholders to the table of dialogue in order to discuss just solutions to the southern issue, drawing on the close relationship between the two brotherly countries and their common interests under the current circumstances and as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to support and strengthen the security and stability of the Republic of Yemen and to foster an atmosphere conducive to dialogue. In this regard, the Kingdom has begun coordinating with the Government and southern stakeholders in preparation for this conference, and we underscore the importance of the effective participation of all southern stakeholders in this conference so as to arrive at comprehensive and just solutions to the issue of the south and meet the legitimate aspirations of the people there. In conclusion, the Kingdom stresses the importance of cooperation among all Yemeni forces and stakeholders and concerted endeavours to reach a lasting solution that leads to security and stability in Yemen. We emphasize that the southern issue has historical and social dimensions and that the only way to address it is through dialogue within the framework of a comprehensive political solution in Yemen that is based on nationally and internationally agreed terms of reference.

I now give the floor to the representative of the United Arab Emirates.

I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Director Rajasingham for their important briefings. In 2015, at the official request of the Government of Yemen, the United Arab Emirates joined the framework of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and, over the past decade, together with our Yemeni, coalition and international partners, the United Arab Emirates made important contributions to the security and stability of Yemen and the region — liberating Aden, removing Al-Qaida from Mukalla, securing Yemen’s western coast and defending Ma’rib. For the United Arab Emirates, the aims were clear: to protect Yemen and its people from Houthi aggression, to combat terrorism and, in doing so, to promote the security, stability and sovereignty of Yemen and regional and international peace and security. This was achieved at significant cost to my country. Some of our brave soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice, and the Houthis carried out a deadly terrorist attack on our soil. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates sought to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. To that end, we provided more than $8 billion in humanitarian and development assistance, supporting the immediate needs of the Yemeni people. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates also provided support to enable the legitimate Government of Yemen to deliver basic services. On 30 December, the United Arab Emirates decided to withdraw all of its remaining military personnel from Yemen. The withdrawal is now concluded. While our operations in Yemen have now ended, our solidarity with the Yemeni people remains as resolute as ever, as they strive for stability, security and prosperity. So, at this critical juncture for Yemen, the Council must not resign itself to an approach of managing, rather than resolving, this conflict. It is time to redouble efforts in pursuit of peace, security and stability in Yemen and the region.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject.