S/PV.9935 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of 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 Ms. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Mr. Grundberg. Mr. Grundberg: Families across Yemen have just celebrated Eid al-Adha, coming together with their families, friends and wider community, and I want to start my briefing by wishing all Yemenis Eid Mubarak. But that moment of celebration also tragically marks one year since the arbitrary detention by Ansar Allah of dozens of personnel from the United Nations, national and international non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and diplomatic missions. Some colleagues have been detained since 2021, and there were additional detentions in 2025. Their continued imprisonment is shameful. I call again in the strongest terms for their immediate and unconditional release, and I will continue to demand their release — at every opportunity I have — until they are home with their families. That is the commitment I made in January to the mother, the wife and the children of my own team member, who has been detained for more than a year now. The families of all our colleagues who have been deprived of their liberty should know that the United Nations will continue to stand with them. I urge all the members of the Council to use their powerful voices, their diplomatic channels and their influence to exert maximum pressure on Ansar Allah for the unconditional release of all detainees. Turning to recent developments, while the Red Sea remains calm following the cessation of hostilities agreement between the United States and Ansar Allah, there have been multiple attacks launched by Ansar Allah in the past month on targets in Israel, including on Ben Gurion Airport. In response, over the past weeks, Israel has conducted strikes on Al-Hudaydah port, Salif port, and Sana’a International Airport, destroying a civilian aircraft. I reiterate my call for all actors to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. We now see a situation in which Yemenis living in Ansar Allah-controlled areas are unable to fly commercially from Sana’a Airport to seek medical treatment abroad, to travel by air for the hajj or to visit their families. That was one of the key peace dividends delivered by the 2022 truce and it had generated some sense of normalcy among civilians and hope for a better future. Since I last briefed the Council (see S/PV.9915), I have met with representatives of both the Government of Yemen and Ansar Allah, as well as key regional actors, including Egypt, Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. There is a general consensus that only a negotiated settlement can resolve the conflict in Yemen and provide the guarantees that the region requires, including for the Red Sea. Regional dynamics have long played a key part in Yemen’s history, as well as in I emphasize again, however, that time is not on our side. Conditions can change rapidly and unpredictably. The multiple front lines across Yemen remain fragile and risk descending into more active fighting. Marib, in particular, remains a cause for concern at this time, with reports of troop movement and occasional flare-ups, in addition to sporadic activity on other front lines in Al-Dhale, Al-Hudaydah, Lahj and Taiz governorates. My Office continues to monitor front-line developments, engage with military and security officials from all sides and offer alternatives to a return to full-scale conflict. In the discussions my team has with members of the Military Coordination Committee, we stress the shared responsibility for all actors to step away from confrontation and instead resume discussions on a ceasefire. In the past month, we have seen a sign of what is possible with the reopening of the Al-Dhale road — a main road between Aden and Sana’a. I commend again the local facilitators across the front lines who worked to make that happen. Initial scoping work is currently being undertaken by the United Nations to ensure the safety of the communities using that road, with support from civil society and my Office. I encourage the parties to protect that achievement. I hope it will lead to many more openings. Yemen’s economy is in dire need of positive and trust-building steps such as those. Yemeni citizens continue to shoulder the impacts of an economy in freefall. More can and should be done to alleviate the humanitarian and economic hardships faced by the Yemeni people, including allowing the Government of Yemen to export oil and gas and facilitating the unobstructed flow of goods across the country. For Yemen to extricate itself from its current economic hardship, the parties need to move away from a zero-sum mindset, towards pragmatism and compromise. There is real scope to make progress on the economy. We in this Chamber are not the only ones imploring the parties for that reason. Nor are those concerns only being raised in high-level diplomatic meetings. Over the past month we have seen more protests led by women in Aden, Taiz, Lahj and Abyan, demanding solutions and action to address the dire economic deterioration and lack of basic services. They demand a more dignified life, including the payment of salaries and accountability. I underscore the importance of respecting the rights of all citizens to demonstrate peacefully. Civic space must be protected by all parties. I am particularly concerned that Ansar Allah continues to suppress civil society voices and recently conducted a new wave of arrests among journalists and public figures, this time across Al-Hudaydah governorate. This month also marks a year since the Government of Yemen and Ansar Allah last met under United Nations auspices to discuss the release of conflict-related detainees. Despite continued attempts to bring the parties together, progress on this file has slowed to almost a standstill. There are thousands of detainees. Some of them have been languishing for 10 years. That is unacceptable. In stark contrast, we see the exchanges of prisoners in other active conflicts around the world. I call on the parties to reprioritize that humanitarian file and move forward, based on the agreed upon all-for-all principle. I have stressed the importance of the ties between Yemen and the wider region. We need to build on the recent cessation of hostilities in the Red Sea and provide durable guarantees to the region and the wider international community and ensure the safety of all those using that critical waterway. That effort goes hand in hand with our ongoing work towards a road map that will help Yemen overcome its current I will continue to work with the Yemeni parties, the region and the broader international community towards that goal, identifying pragmatic and achievable steps to move forward. The cost of inaction is high. Yemen cannot afford more years of division, economic collapse and human suffering. Allow me to conclude by saying that peace in Yemen is so much more than the containment of a threat. It is first and foremost about the Yemenis. It is a country where there are incredible opportunities, a long and rich history, and lives full of promise. I want to again thank the Council for its unified and highly valued support, even when the overall situation remains so challenging, to realize the potential for Yemen.

I thank Mr. Grundberg for his briefing. I now give the floor to Ms. Msuya. Ms. Msuya: As ever, I thank Special Envoy Grundberg for his briefing and his tireless endeavours to support a peaceful political solution. Earlier this month, we marked one year since the Houthi de facto authorities arbitrarily detained dozens of staff from the United Nations, national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations and diplomatic missions. That staff joined others held since 2021 and 2023 and more held this year. Twenty-three United Nations staff remain detained, and I join the Special Envoy and the Secretary-General in calling for their immediate release. Over the past six months, my colleagues and I have briefed the Council regularly on the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on communities across Yemen. I would like to start today with some positive developments that merit attention. First, and as noted by the Special Envoy, a key road between Aden and Sana’a, through Al-Dhale, was reopened on 29 May after being closed for nearly seven years. That will provide civilian and commercial traffic a more direct and faster route, reducing travel times by six to seven hours between the two cities and improving access to healthcare for communities in a number of governorates. That development, supported by the authorities and reflective of community sentiment and initiatives, shows that Yemen is not on a fixed, downhill trajectory. With trust and the right tools, there remains hope. All of us here must rise to meet those opportunities with our own commitment and support. I am pleased to note therefore that the Senior Officials Meeting held in Brussels on 21 May, bringing together senior representatives, Member States, United Nations agencies, financial institutions and international and Yemeni NGOs, endeavoured to do just that. It was heartening to see both Member States and the humanitarian community engaging on the importance of adequately funding what is now a more prioritized humanitarian needs and response plan for Yemen. I take this moment to thank the European Union (EU) and Sweden for co-hosting the meeting, which supported the United Nations decision to prioritize and maintain life-saving humanitarian programmes in the most severely affected areas in all of Yemen. I also express my thanks to the EU, which pledged €80 million in humanitarian funding to support critical programming in Yemen. As the Council knows, more than 17 million people, or nearly half of Yemen’s population, are estimated to be acutely hungry. Malnutrition remains a scourge across the country, affecting 1.3 million pregnant and breastfeeding women and 2.3 million Meanwhile, the health system is fragile at best. The lack of funding could lead to a further 771 health centres closing and nearly 7 million people being denied access to life-saving care. Women and girls face enormous risks, including gender-based violence. Despite an operating environment beset by multiple risks and serious challenges, humanitarian operations continue to forge ahead, and humanitarians remain committed and engaged. For the first three months of this year, a little more than 4 million people a month on average received life-saving humanitarian assistance; 4.7 million people received regular emergency food assistance; and nearly 90,000 people received agriculture and fisheries support. In addition, 262,000 young children and pregnant and breastfeeding women were treated for moderate acute malnutrition; a further 77,000 children were treated for severe acute malnutrition; and more than 51,000 women received assistance from skilled personnel while delivering their babies. Within a fragile health system, 2.4 million outpatient consultations were provided in communities of internally displaced persons and host countries, while the response to cholera continues to build on work undertaken in 2024, including through support to hospitals and diarrhoea treatment centres, the training of healthcare workers and the distribution of diagnostic kits. Humanitarians are clearly doing their best, but our response is constrained by the lack of funding and falls short of what the people of Yemen need. Yemeni communities face multiple crises. Regional challenges and tensions loom large over internal political and security realities. The economy is under extraordinary pressure, and the climate crisis is making people across the country even more vulnerable. Ultimately, life-saving humanitarian assistance, though vital for communities’ survival right now, will not be enough. There needs to be a commitment to scaling up long-term development assistance to prevent communities from sliding into more acute levels of humanitarian needs, while also ensuring access to essential services and generating economic and livelihood opportunities. I conclude with three asks of the Security Council. Take the lead of the Senior Officials Meeting in May and follow up with scaled- up, flexible funding based on needs to sustain our aid operation. Take real action to see that United Nations and other detained colleagues are released. Maintain its unified support for efforts towards lasting peace.

I thank Ms. Msuya for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Assistant Secretary-General Msuya for their briefing. And I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen in this meeting. I will make three points. First, last Friday marked one year since the Houthi’s arbitrary detention of personnel from the United Nations, national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations and diplomatic missions. As of today, 23 United Nations and five international NGO personnel remain arbitrarily detained. Those dedicated humanitarian workers have now been separated from their family and loved ones for more than a year and for some, more than 1,000 days. The Secondly, 19.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, and 4.8 million are internally displaced in Yemen. That dire situation will get worse, with increases in food insecurity and malnutrition projected this year, compounded by disease outbreaks. The funding shortfall, ongoing detentions and challenging operating space exacerbate those challenges. We must therefore continue to work together and prioritize our collective response to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those most in need. The United Kingdom recently enrolled in a joint programme with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, targeting the spread of cholera across Yemen. That programme will provide cholera vaccines and help strengthen local response capacity in the most high-risk and affected communities. Finally, the United Kingdom remains committed to achieving lasting peace in Yemen and the broader region. Long-term stability and security in Yemen can be achieved only by a United Nations-led, inclusive political settlement. And we continue to support Special Envoy Grundberg in his efforts in that regard.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council plus (A3+), namely, Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone and my own country, Somalia. We thank today’s briefers, Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), for their insightful updates. We also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen. On the security front, the A3+ express deep concern about the fragile and deteriorating security situation in Yemen and the wider region, while recalling that international humanitarian law unequivocally prohibits attacks against civilians and civilian objects. The A3+ emphasizes the urgent need to prevent the militarization of populated neighbourhoods and to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure from harm and destruction. The A3+ reiterates the urgent need for coordinated efforts to de-escalate tensions and protect civilians and urges all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention and customary principles, and to take necessary measures to protect civilian populations in Yemen from further harm. We commend efforts leading to practical actions, such as reopening roads, resolving local disputes face to face and maintaining active coordination through such channels as the Military Coordination Committee, which was established during the 2022 truce. The A3+ is equally concerned about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian and health situation in Yemen. The increase in infections and in the rate of mortality due to febrile illnesses, including malaria, dengue fever and cholera, is particularly troubling. Hundreds of new infections are being reported across several governorates, with the surge in both suspected and confirmed cases compounding an already fragile and overwhelmed healthcare system. The lack of adequate funding, essential medicines and medical supplies is hindering the Government’s efforts to contain The A3+ reiterates its firm support for the ongoing efforts of Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and his team in facilitating a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process, based on the agreed terms of reference and in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2216 (2015). We stress that an inclusive and comprehensive political solution remains the only viable path to achieving lasting peace and stability in Yemen. We also reiterate the Secretary- General’s call for the immediate and unconditional release of all United Nations and humanitarian personnel who have been arbitrarily detained, in violation of international humanitarian law and impeding essential humanitarian efforts. In addition, we also note with appreciation that the Secretary-General’s report (see S/2025/364) on Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea indicates that no new incidents have occurred since the previous report (see S/2025/302). The A3+ firmly maintains that securing an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza is critical to achieving a lasting peace throughout the region. We also stress the need to halt any actions that risk fuelling the conflict in Yemen, which threatens to reverse hard-won gains and deepen the humanitarian crisis. In conclusion, the A3+ stands in solidarity with the Yemeni people in their quest for peace, security and dignity. We call on all parties to demonstrate a genuine commitment to dialogue and for the Council to remain united in support of Yemen’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and stability. We remain fully supportive of the efforts of Special Envoy Grundberg and recognize the continued contributions of regional actors, particularly Saudi Arabia and Oman, in facilitating constructive engagement.

I would like to express my appreciation to Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya, of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, for their briefings. I also warmly welcome the participation of the representative of Yemen in today’s meeting. Today I would like to share the following points. First, we urge the Houthis to permanently cease all hostile acts that undermine peace in Yemen and threaten the security of the Red Sea and the larger region. Despite a decline in Houthi attacks on commercial vessels, maritime traffic through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal remains at approximately 60 per cent below the level of traffic prior to the Gaza crisis, thus underscoring the ongoing threat to global commerce, supply chains and maritime security. The Houthis’ continued missile attacks on Israel not only heighten regional tensions, but they also ultimately undermine the pathway towards a lasting political solution in Yemen. In addition, we note with concern Israel’s retaliatory naval strike on the Al-Hudaydah port two days ago. We reiterate our call for all parties to fully respect international humanitarian law under all circumstances and to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. Secondly, we stand in solidarity with other Council members in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees, including United Nations staff, employees of non-governmental organizations and civil society and diplomatic personnel. This month marks one year since the wave of arbitrary detentions by the Houthis began. One year is already too long. Let us be clear: the prolonged Thirdly, the Security Council’s arms embargo must be fully implemented, as originally designed. The recent pattern of Houthi attacks leaves no doubt that ongoing violations are directly fuelling instability in both Yemen and the broader region. In that context, we cannot stress enough the urgent need to appoint the Panel of Experts’ arms expert without further delay. That role is indispensable for monitoring compliance and preserving the overall credibility of the Council’s sanctions regime at a critical juncture. In parallel, the Republic of Korea reaffirms the importance of the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM), which plays a vital role not only in enforcing the arms embargo, but also in alleviating long-standing humanitarian suffering in Yemen. Therefore, the international community must pay greater attention to UNVIM to ensure the effectiveness of its crucial operations. Fourthly, as Assistant Secretary-General Msuya briefed, Yemeni people are facing a complex and deepening crisis marked by malnutrition, food insecurity and a surge in infectious diseases that is driving up mortality rates. Given the severe funding shortfalls, we urge the international community to heed the urgent calls from humanitarian actors on the ground for increased support. Lastly, the 2025 World Bank report on Yemen underscores the severe deterioration of public services and worsening economic conditions. Those findings highlight the urgent need for concrete political progress and sustained international engagement to reverse the trajectory of the crisis. In conclusion, in the midst of the ongoing Gaza crisis and the resulting halt in political progress, the recent reopening of roads between Sana’a and Aden, which connect people from both sides after being cut off for seven years, offers a glimmer of hope that trust among Yemenis through people-to-people and commercial exchange can be gradually restored. We encourage all parties — especially the Houthis — to build on such momentum through further concrete actions. At the same time, the international community must remain united in its support for a Yemeni-led, Yemeni-owned and inclusive political transition.

We would like to thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Mr. Hans Grundberg, and Assistant Secretary-General Ms. Joyce Msuya for their briefings. Unfortunately, the settlement process in Yemen is stalled, owing to instability both in Yemen itself and in the region as a whole. Work on the relevant road map began more than two years ago but, unfortunately, to date it has yielded no tangible results and the negotiations on the text have essentially been frozen. Against that background, given the highly charged atmosphere along the line of contact between the opposing Yemeni sides, there is also an increasing risk that the situation will further deteriorate, if not morph into military confrontation. It is clear that, under the current circumstances, it will hardly suffice to simply maintain the current level of mediation efforts. What is needed now is to urgently revitalize the negotiation track, under United Nations auspices, and to intensify engagement with all parties to the Yemeni conflict, while taking due account of their In that regard, we support the efforts made by the Special Envoy and urge him to intensify his targeted efforts with the Yemeni protagonists to finalize the provisions of the road map. For our part, we will continue to provide all possible assistance in that regard. The situation in the region remains tense, despite the ceasefire in the Red Sea agreed upon in early May between the United States and the Houthis. Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip and its obstacles to humanitarian supplies to the enclave continue to be the reason for anti-Israeli actions by Ansar Allah, which deems it unacceptable for Jerusalem to use the humanitarian blockade as leverage for the release of hostages remaining in Gaza. Attacks by the Houthis targeting facilities in Israel, including Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, are undoubtedly a destabilizing factor. The disproportionate response by West Jerusalem is no less destructive, however — we see multiple strikes against the sovereign territory of Yemen. The latest Israeli bombardments have inflicted completely unacceptable damage on the port of Al-Hudaydah and on Sana’a International Airport, at which approximately eight civilian planes were destroyed. It is clear that such use of force, regardless of the underlying motives, only further undermine internal Yemeni and regional stability. It is ordinary Yemenis who are most affected by the military confrontation. The worrisome deterioration in the humanitarian situation in the country is a direct consequence not only of the long-standing internal crisis but also of major external interference, which is compounded by the destruction of civilian infrastructure. Under those conditions, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance is growing. Over the past year, the number has increased by more than a million, exceeding 19.5 million people. Children and the elderly are those most affected. Contagious diseases are rampant in the country, including measles and cholera. Another pressing issue is the chronic underfunding of the United Nations humanitarian response plan for Yemen. This year marks new bleak records in that regard, with only a tenth of the funds needed having been raised so far. Such a financial deficit could lead to a further curtailing of humanitarian efforts and failures in the operation of critical infrastructure, including medical facilities. We are particularly concerned by the lack of a solution to the detention in Yemen of local personnel of the United Nations, humanitarian organizations and other organizations. That is not only a violation of the privileges and immunities of humanitarian workers enshrined in international law, but it also jeopardizes humanitarian operations in the country. The Security Council has repeatedly sent unequivocal signals stating that such actions are unacceptable. Russia, as one of the Council’s permanent members, has consistently aligned itself with such messages. At the same time, we believe that when dealing with that issue, it is important to prioritize the tool of quiet diplomacy, something prioritized, in other contexts, by those currently sending threatening signals to the Houthis. It is important to create conditions for de-escalation, rather than condone confrontation, especially when it comes to such a sensitive issue. We welcome the ongoing dialogue between the United Nations leadership and the Houthis on the release of detainees and we call on all parties concerned to support those efforts. In conclusion, we would like to refer to the importance of the United Nations Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement. Since its establishment, the Mission

We thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya for their comprehensive briefings. I would also like to welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen in today’s meeting. Long known for its rich history, vibrant culture and strategic maritime heritage, Yemen today stands shattered by over a decade of unrelenting conflict. The impact of political instability, economic collapse, regional tensions and an escalating humanitarian crisis continues to exact a devastating toll on the Yemeni people. I would like to make four specific points. First, we urge all parties to build on the December 2023 road map, which offers a credible foundation for sustainable peace. We welcome the regional diplomatic facilitation by Saudi Arabia and Oman and the tireless efforts of Special Envoy Hans Grundberg. His recent engagements in Riyadh and Muscat, involving a wide range of stakeholders, can play a crucial role in sustaining momentum towards a political settlement. As the Special Envoy noted today, the only way forward is through an inclusive political solution, and time is not on our side. We therefore call for all efforts to be accelerated with the objective of achieving concrete and tangible progress culminating in a durable and inclusive Yemeni-owned and Yemeni-led political solution. Secondly, the humanitarian situation in Yemen is dire. More than 18 million people require urgent assistance, with more than 4.5 million displaced, many of them on multiple occasions. The risk of famine is acute, with tens of thousands already facing famine-like conditions and millions more experiencing severe food insecurity. Compounding that, the country is facing a dangerous surge in febrile diseases across several governorates. We call on all donors and international organizations to urgently scale up support and respond swiftly and generously to the urgent appeal of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Thirdly, the regional dimensions of the conflict unfortunately continue to escalate. The targeting of civilian infrastructure is indefensible and violates international law. Strikes on seaports and airports and critical energy facilities have also disrupted vital humanitarian operations, thereby deepening the civilian suffering. For a lasting resolution of the regional conflicts, it is also imperative to have an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. We have witnessed the fruits of effective diplomacy and leadership in the successful ceasefire negotiated between the United States and the Houthis. Fourthly, we express our strong condemnation of the continued arbitrary detention of United Nations personnel, humanitarian workers and diplomatic staff by the Houthis. Their continued detention is a blatant violation of international law and a serious impediment to humanitarian operations. We reiterate our call for their immediate and unconditional release and for safe, unhindered humanitarian access throughout Yemen. The intersecting crises in Yemen demand urgent, coordinated and sustained international action. It is imperative that the Security Council speak with unity and clarity to support the people of Yemen on their path towards peace, dignity and recovery. Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for the brotherly people of Yemen. This month marks one year since the first wave of Houthi detentions of United Nations staff and humanitarian personnel. We firmly condemn those unlawful acts and reiterate our demand for their immediate and unconditional release. We are deeply troubled by the Houthis’ obstructions of the humanitarian community’s ability to deliver life-saving aid at the cost of Yemeni civilians. We were pleased to see that message clearly reflected in the press statement we adopted last week (SC/16079). As the conflict in Yemen drags on, the humanitarian impact grows more severe and the prospects for economic recovery grow more distant. As highlighted by the World Bank, Yemen now ranks as the third-poorest country in the world. And as reported yesterday, food insecurity is soaring, with half of the population in Government-controlled areas facing crisis and above levels of food insecurity, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis. Over the past year, a combination of high inflation and currency depreciation has pushed the vast majority of Yemenis into poverty. With reductions in donor funding on the horizon, the situation is likely to deteriorate. As always, the most vulnerable suffer the gravest impact. Sustained efforts to improve the Yemeni economy are needed, along with humanitarian funding to meet the needs of the most vulnerable. Without that, more children will go to bed hungry, health facilities will cease operating, and more lives will be put at risk. Denmark will continue to do its part, as it has done for the past 10 years by providing more than $200 million in total to the humanitarian response. Denmark firmly condemns the Houthis’ continued indiscriminate attacks against Israel. Those actions are unacceptable and serve only to further destabilize an already volatile security situation in the region. We urge all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. More must be done to effectively contain the destructive capabilities of the Houthis. We are particularly concerned about the reports of growing ties between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab and urge the relevant panels of experts to look into that. We must remain focused on effectively curbing illegal arms flows to the Houthis. To that end, the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism must be strengthened to enhance its efficiency in enforcing the arms embargo. De-escalation in the Red Sea and in the wider region is crucial to restore maritime security and bring Yemen back on a path towards peace. Finally, Denmark extends its sincere gratitude to Special Envoy Grundberg for his tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to keeping the political process alive. We appreciate that he seized the momentum from the cessation of hostilities between the United States and the Houthis to re-engage the parties through meetings in Muscat and Riyadh. We urge all parties to continue their engagement with the Special Envoy in good faith to deliver on their earlier commitments for a nationwide ceasefire, economic measures and a comprehensive political process. Ultimately, only dialogue and genuine commitment by the parties will lead to real progress on the ground and real results for the people of Yemen. We call on all parties to engage to forge lasting peace in Yemen, unlock vital economic recovery and alleviate the profound humanitarian suffering inflicted on the Yemeni people for far too long.

Panama would like to express its thanks to the President of the Council for convening this meeting; to the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Hans Grundberg; and to the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Joyce Msuya, for their valuable briefings and continued, outstanding work. In parallel, over the past few weeks, we have noticed an increase in attacks and provocations by the Houthis, putting the civilian population at grave risk and, at the same time, undermining both regional and international mediation efforts. Those actions not only exacerbate humanitarian suffering, but also increase the number of displaced persons, 80 per cent of whom are women and children. We reject any unilateral action that could potentially threaten regional stability, escalate conflict or hinder efforts to ensure the security and well-being of the population. In that context, we remind all parties to the conflict of their obligation to respect international humanitarian law, with special emphasis on the protection of civilian infrastructure. It is unacceptable that, one year after the arbitrary detention by the Houthis of personnel from the United Nations, international and local non-governmental organizations and diplomatic missions and of civil society representatives, more than two dozen United Nations staff members remain detained illegally. Those people were doing their humanitarian work, providing support to those who need it most: people without access to food, shelter and basic medical care. Those acts constitute a grave violation of international law and a direct attack on the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law and the essential values of human dignity. The instrumentalization of those arrests seriously undermines efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the Yemeni population, which urgently needs it. We continue to condemn those acts in the strongest terms, and we urgently call for the immediate and unconditional release of all personnel detained in such an arbitrary manner. We also note with deep concern the repression of, and excessive use of force against, women, who, over the past few weeks have peacefully demonstrated to denounce the dramatic deterioration of basic services, such as access to water, electricity and medical care. Those demonstrations highlight the urgent need for effective humanitarian solutions that meet the legitimate demands of the population. We support diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region, and we reiterate our support for the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen to guarantee a sustainable solution to the conflict, one that includes the meaningful participation of women and accountability and transitional justice mechanisms. We will therefore continue to promote and support a process that places the participation, dignity, security and leadership of Yemeni women and girls at the centre, while reaffirming our conviction that dialogue is the only way to achieve a sustainable political solution, led by Yemenis themselves, that will ensure lasting stability and security in Yemen. As the Special Envoy noted, there is an urgent need to address the growing economic deterioration that severely affects the daily lives of millions of Yemenis, as economic stability is key to achieving any lasting political progress. In that context, we insist on the need to continue strengthening efforts to establish and consolidate a national ceasefire that all parties respect and maintain, as they committed to do in December 2023. Consolidating a credible and verifiable ceasefire is a prerequisite for paving the way for a just and lasting peace in Yemen, and doing so requires the sustained commitment of all parties and the active support of the international community.

I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Assistant Secretary-General Msuya very much for their briefings. We reiterate our full support As others acknowledged, last week marked a sobering anniversary: one year since the wave of arbitrary detention by the Houthis of personnel from the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, civil society and diplomatic missions. Not only was that wave of detentions unjustifiable; it also intensified an already horrifying humanitarian landscape in Yemen. Simply put, needs are high, and now it is even harder to meet them. One year on, far too many remain in detention. That has been condemned in the strongest terms by the Council, as have the further detentions and the tragic death in captivity of a World Food Programme staff member earlier this year. Slovenia calls for a full investigation into his death and for all detained personnel to be released immediately. To respond to Yemen’s deepening humanitarian crisis, we welcome the recently convened meeting of senior officials in Brussels, at which the European Union pledged €80 million in funding for 2025. Slovenia committed additional funding to support the efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Yemen. We urge new and existing donors to step up, to address our collective humanitarian responsibility and to maintain life-saving and life-sustaining programming. And we once again commend humanitarians for their commitment to staying and delivering. Furthermore, we call for the protection of critical civilian infrastructure in Yemen, and we express our deep concern about continued Houthi attacks against Israeli targets and about Israel’s retaliatory strikes on Sana’a Airport and the Al-Hudaydah ports — critical lifelines for Yemeni civilians. Those strikes could have potentially dire humanitarian consequences and represent a dangerous escalation. We once again urge all parties to exercise the utmost restraint. In spite of that complex and intolerable environment, time and time again we witness the remarkable resilience of the Yemeni people. We welcome the recent opening of a key road in Yemen connecting Aden and Sana’a, which will hopefully bring some relief to locals and facilitating easier movement of people and goods. That development demonstrates the role of local grass-roots engagement and shows what can be achieved through compromise and dialogue. It is clear that, after 10 years of war, the people of Yemen yearn for normality — for functioning infrastructure, for reliable services and for the restoration of livelihoods. In their quest, Yemenis, including Yemeni women, should be afforded every freedom to exercise their legitimate rights. That includes the right to the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and we urge all authorities to ensure that the rights of Yemenis are upheld. I conclude by once again calling for reinvigorated discussions on a nationwide ceasefire and an inclusive United Nations-led peace process centred on the needs and aspirations of the Yemeni people. In particular, we reflect today on the situation for Yemeni children, whose plight was outlined in stark terms in the recently published report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict (S/2025/247) and by Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher last month (see S/PV.9915). All parties in Yemen have signed commitments to end and prevent grave violations against children, which is welcome. However, action plans and road maps should not remain words on paper, but must be implemented fully by the parties. Furthermore, the resumption of an inclusive peace process must include child protection commitments. Ultimately, a durable peace is the best way to ensure a brighter future for Yemen and its children.

I thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya for their briefings. I would also like to welcome the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Yemen. There have not been any ceasefire violations since the United States successfully defended the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the surrounding waterways. As we heard in the briefings, last week marked the one-year anniversary of the Houthis’ unjust detention of a large number of staff of the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and diplomatic missions. That includes staff of the United States mission. The Houthis forced detainees to confess to false charges of espionage in a series of propaganda videos released last summer. The spectre of bogus trials and death sentences hangs over them. The United States calls on the Houthis to immediately and unconditionally release all of those detained by the Houthis. Terrorist acts conducted by the Houthis extend throughout the region. On an almost daily basis over the past weeks, the Houthis have launched missile attacks against Israel, including Ben Gurion Airport. Those attacks targeting civilians are accompanied by threats to impose an air blockade and a naval blockade against Israel’s Haifa port. Israel has the right to defend itself. We stand with Israel against Iranian-backed terrorist groups, including the Houthis. The Houthis would not be able to conduct such attacks without Iran’s assistance. Iran’s defiance of the United Nations arms embargo enables the Houthis to threaten Israel, Gulf partners and the wider region. The Council must not tolerate Iran’s repeated violations of its resolutions. The United States also sees evidence that the Houthis are acquiring China-origin dual-use components and imagery from sources such as the Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company Limited. That company is directly financed by provincial and central authorities, derives most of its revenue from sales to the People’s Liberation Army and has the direct backing of the senior leadership of the Communist Party of China. The Houthis are also deepening their relationship with Al-Shabaab. That relationship should be examined, investigated and reported on by both the Panel of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014), on Yemen, and the Panel of Experts of the Committee pursuant to resolution 2713 (2023) concerning Al-Shabaab. A critical tool in preventing arms from reaching the Houthis is the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM). In fact, last month, UNVIM increased its screening and successfully interdicted four shipping containers of illicit materials bound for Houthi-controlled ports. That interdiction clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of the Mechanism; we all need to continue supporting its operations and ensure 100 per cent screening. To that end, we again urge Member States to donate directly to UNVIM. As we have pointed out, it needs only $11 million per year to operate at full capacity. Member States should also provide the naval assets necessary to ensure interdiction of ships not verified by UNVIM. The United States reminds Member States that UNVIM clearance does not exonerate vessels from consequences arising from the United States designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization. Knowingly providing material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization is a violation of United States law. The United States is vigorously pursuing all possible sanctions against relevant individuals and entities in order to deprive the Houthis of the resources that sustain their terrorist network. France welcomes the fact that the Security Council has expressed itself to demand the immediate release of all personnel arbitrarily detained by the Houthis for more than a year. France reiterates its condemnation of those arbitrary detentions. We demand that light finally be shed on the unacceptable death in custody of a World Food Programme employee earlier this year. The Security Council must continue to demand that the Houthis lift their barriers on humanitarian access and cease their repeated human rights violations in areas under their control. The most vulnerable, particularly women and children, are the principal victims. Humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, must be able to operate in complete security wherever people require them. France calls on all parties to ensure the protection of civilian infrastructure and populations, in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law. France condemns in the strongest terms the recent Houthi attacks against Israel. Those attacks are unacceptable, and they threaten regional security. The Houthis, supported by Iran, must cease their destabilizing activities in Yemen, in the Red Sea and more broadly in the Middle East. The Council must be able to condemn them with one voice and without ambiguity. We take note of the absence of new incidents in the Red Sea, as noted by the United Nations Secretary-General (see S/2025/364). However, the Houthis must, once and for all, stop disrupting maritime traffic in the Red Sea. France will continue its commitment as part of the European Union’s defensive security and defence policy Operation Aspides to protect maritime security and the freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law and in coordination with our partners. Only an inclusive political solution will put an end to the conflict in Yemen. France supports the efforts of the Special Envoy to relaunch an inter-Yemeni political process and progress towards defining a political, economic and security road map. That political process must be inclusive and allow for the participation of Yemeni women and youth. France reaffirms its commitment to the stability of Yemen and regional security.

I would like to thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Assistant-Secretary-General Joyce Msuya for their, as always, very informative briefings today. I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen in the meeting. I would like to make three points. First, this month marks one year since the first wave of unlawful and arbitrary detentions of diplomatic staff, United Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) personnel and humanitarian workers by the Houthis in June 2024, followed by a number of similar waves of prolonged detentions. We reiterate in the strongest possible terms our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained personnel. The tragic death in Houthi custody of a member of the World Food Programme in February this year remains unanswered. We reiterate our call for the immediate, transparent and thorough investigation of that terrible event. It is of the outmost importance that United Nations humanitarian assistance and protection services continue without disruption, by reinforcing the funding capacity and adaptability of the Yemen humanitarian needs and response plan for 2025 and identifying priorities for action. We strongly endorsed the recent European Union (EU) decision to contribute €80 million in EU humanitarian funding for Yemen in 2025, as announced at the recent seventh Humanitarian Senior Officials Meeting, which took place in Brussels. We also echo the recent call of 116 United Nations agencies and international and national NGOs operating in Yemen for urgent and collective action. Secondly, the security situation in the Red Sea region remains fragile. The threat of Houthi aggression is still present, constituting a constant risk to the freedom of navigation and maritime security in the region. Consequently, merchant and commercial vessels continue to divert through alternative maritime shipping corridors, making the Red Sea region one of the most disrupted maritime trade routes globally. Greece remains committed to safeguarding maritime security and the freedom of navigation in the region of the Red Sea, through the EU naval Operation Aspides, and fully respects its defensive posture. The instability is further exacerbated by the flow of illegal arms and reinforcement of Houthi capabilities, in terms of weaponry, advanced technology and training, in violation of the arms embargo regime established pursuant to resolution 2216 (2015). In that context, we underline the importance of appointing with no further delay the fifth member of the Panel of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014), with the role of monitoring and assessing the flow of arms in the region. That is an essential part of the Panel’s work. We further stress the need for reinforcement of the operational capacity of the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism in upholding the arms embargo regime. We are deeply concerned about the stockpiling of weaponry by the Houthis and the militarization of civilian areas, in violation of international humanitarian law and the obligation to protect the civilian population, which may endanger the safety of residential areas and lead to extended civilian casualties. Thirdly, maritime security in the Red Sea region cannot be attained without a sustainable and long-lasting political solution to the Yemeni conflict. In conclusion, we reiterate our unwavering support for the Special Envoy, Mr. Grundberg, and his persistent efforts to engage all relevant actors in a peace negotiation dialogue, through an inclusive Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process, under the United Nations auspices, fully respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Yemen. Also, women’s full and indiscriminate participation in that process remains vital.

I thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Assistant Secretary-General Msuya for their briefings. I welcome the Permanent Representative of Yemen to today’s meeting. I would like to make a few remarks. First, for some time, the Houthis and Israel have been attacking each other. Airports and port facilities have been damaged, and tensions have continued to rise. China expresses its concerns and calls on all relevant parties to remain calm, Secondly, we must remain committed to advancing a political solution to the Yemeni issue through dialogue and negotiation. Recently, the two parties to the conflict announced the reopening of certain roads, a step that China welcomes. We hope that both sides will build on that positive momentum, align their positions more closely, enhance communication, rebuild trust and make further progress in areas such as a nationwide ceasefire and economic recovery. Those efforts are essential for creating favourable conditions to advance a comprehensive Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process. China supports the mediation efforts of Special Envoy Grundberg and looks forward to greater contributions from regional countries in that process. Thirdly, last week, the Security Council issued a press statement marking the first anniversary of the detention of the concerned personnel by the Houthis (SC/16079). China urges all parties to step up their engagement and work towards the prompt release of all detained individuals. According to a World Bank report, Yemen’s humanitarian situation remains dire, and its economy is projected to contract further this year. We call on the international community, particularly traditional donors, to scale up both humanitarian and development assistance to Yemen and to provide adequate financial guarantee for United Nations operations in the country. Fourthly, resolving the issues in Yemen and the Red Sea requires the joint efforts of all relevant parties and a favourable regional environment. The Gaza conflict has persisted for more than 600 days, claiming the lives of more than 55,000 Palestinians and plunging more than 2 million Gazan residents into an unprecedented humanitarian disaster. The international community should prioritize ending the Gaza conflict and alleviating the humanitarian crisis, while working to de-escalate regional tensions. We stand ready to work with the international community to continue our unremitting efforts towards that end. The United States representative has just made ridiculous accusations towards China in her statement. The accused Chinese company issued a public statement asserting that such accusation by the United States was malicious slander. That company has no business connections with either Iran or the Houthis. As many countries, including China, have pointed out, the current tension in the Red Sea is closely linked to the Gaza conflict. Without a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the turbulence in the Red Sea will not truly stop. However, the United States has been standing in opposition to the international community, by abusing its veto power seven times and obstructing the efforts of the Security Council to stop the chaos in Gaza at an early date and save the Gazan people from their dire situation. The United States has no right to shift the blame to others and shirk its own responsibility. This afternoon the General Assembly will convene an emergency special session to address the question of Palestine again and will vote on a draft resolution (A/ES- 10/L.34/Rev.1). Let us see what the United States will do this afternoon. Let us see if it behaves in a genuinely constructive and responsible manner, as it purports to do, on that issue.

I now give the floor to the representative of Yemen.

At the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Madam President, and your friendly country, Guyana, on your presidency of the Security Council for this month and wish you success. We would also like to thank your predecessor, the Permanent Representative of Greece, and his friendly country For more than 10 years, the dear and resilient Yemeni people have faced accumulated crises in their lives and born heavy burdens owing to the war waged by the Houthi terrorist militias, supported by the Iranian regime. The Houthis have destroyed the State institutions and the livelihoods of Yemenis, leaving behind one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Over the past years of their war against Yemenis, those militias have made it clear that they are not seeking peace and are not just a temporary threat, but rather a permanent threat to regional and international peace and security, and a structural threat to Yemen, the region and international shipping lanes. The hijacking of ships, the planting of sea mines and piracy in the Red Sea did not start in 2023, but has been a repeated Houthi approach for years, even at the height of truces and negotiations. We think it is unlikely that the Houthi militias and their supporters have any serious intentions to change their destructive behaviour or to respond to the efforts to restore calm. Any such response is nothing but a clear attempt to prevaricate and deceive in order to remain in power, reposition and return to war and escalate their aggressive approach. The Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni Government reaffirm their commitment to peace and welcome the efforts made by their brothers and friends to achieve peace and remain open to all initiatives to end the conflict. Our hand will remain outstretched for peace, as we believe that a political solution is the best option for the interests of Yemenis, the region and the world. And we seek a genuine and sustained peace, based on the agreed terms of reference for a political solution, foremost of which is resolution 2216 (2015), which is an ideal road map for a comprehensive solution to the Yemeni crisis. We seek a peace that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people for stability, development, dignity and the restoration of State institutions based on the rule of law, justice, equal citizenship and the sovereignty of the people. It is unfortunate that all the attempts made by the Yemeni Government and all regional, international and United Nations efforts to put an end to the crisis have been unsuccessful owing to the refusal and intransigence of the Houthi militias. All those efforts failed despite that fact that the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni Government have accepted and welcomed all peace initiatives, including the road map adopted by the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Houthi militias have continued to attack oil facilities, targeting civilians and residential neighbourhoods and mobilizing militarily on all fronts. Their exploits have harmed the interests and gains of the Yemeni people; led to the call for air strikes and Israeli aggression; and brought about the destruction of such infrastructure as ports, power stations and airports, including four aircraft that belonged to Yemen Airways. They destroyed those aircraft after hijacking them and insisting on continuing to hold them at Sana’a Airport despite the fact that the Israeli bombing was expected. The Houthi militias continue their reckless misadventures, leading to further destruction and devastation of the Yemeni people’s resources. As noted by the Special Envoy and Ms. Msuya, the road that was opened connects Sana’a and Aden, and that opening came about at the initiative of the Yemeni Government to alleviate the human suffering of the Yemeni people after the misadventures of the Houthi militias led to the destruction of airports and ports, leaving our Yemeni people in areas controlled by those militias unable to find any gateways through which to move or travel. All peace efforts to date have failed, and any similar efforts in future will fail in the absence of a genuine partner for peace, because that group does not believe in peace and recognizes neither the State nor the law. It is an ideological armed group that adopts the ideas and concepts of guardianship and divine right to rule over human The stability of Yemen constitutes a genuine guarantee for regional and global stability. We call upon the international community and all brothers and friends to support the Yemeni Government in restoring State institutions and extending its authority over all Yemeni territory to end the conflict, reform the situation and dry up the sources of terrorism and chaos, as there can be no development while violence and conflict persist, or can an economy or sustainable peace coexist with armed extortion. The Yemeni Government continues to work on the economic, administrative and financial reform programme and remains committed to the five tracks, which encompass achieving peace and ending the coup and preserving the legal status of the State; combating corruption and enhancing transparency and accountability; undertaking financial and administrative reform; developing economic resources; and optimizing the use of foreign aid and grants. We affirm our commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership with all partners and donors and the importance of cooperation and coordination on achieving common goals in order to overcome the current challenges, which have directly affected the Government’s ability to provide basic services to citizens and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. We assure regional and international partners that supporting the Yemeni Government is an investment in regional and international peace and security. We believe that achieving security and stability in Yemen is an integral part of regional and global security and stability. We call on all brothers, friends and international donor organizations to support the efforts of the Yemeni Government in order to enable it to provide basic services, fulfil its ineluctable obligations and promote economic recovery and stability, as that support is part of the international and regional community’s efforts to achieve peace and restore security and stability in Yemen. In that context, we extend our thanks and gratitude to our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for their support for the people and the Government of Yemen and for their ongoing development and humanitarian interventions in these extraordinary and critical circumstances. The areas under the control of the Houthi militias have become the site of repression, terrorism and the practice of the most heinous crimes and violations against the Yemeni people, including killings, abductions and arbitrary arrests of civilians. Civilians are also subjected to various forms of physical and psychological torture, owing to their political and intellectual affiliations running counter to the militias’ views, including to extract confessions on trumped-up charges. Those militias continue their systematic repressive practices, quashing the freedom of expression and media freedom, extorting citizens, imposing levies, looting public and private property, recruiting children — in the largest such recruitment operation of our time — and sending them to their deaths on the front lines. Such acts fly in the face of all religious, humanitarian and moral values. In addition, those militias store and stockpile weapons and explosives in the heart of populated areas and amid the homes of innocent people, in flagrant violation of all international norms and laws. The most recent of those crimes was the explosion of a militia weapons depot in a residential neighbourhood in the Bani Hushaysh district of Sana’a on the morning of 22 May, killing 60 civilians, mostly women and children, and injuring dozens. Another explosion occurred on 30 May in heavy-weapon and missile depots in Taiz, killing and injuring dozens of civilians. One year after the arbitrary detention by Houthi militias of the staff of the United Nations, international non-governmental organizations operating in Yemen, civil society organizations and diplomatic missions, the Yemeni Government expresses its In conclusion, in the light of the bleak current humanitarian landscape, and given the continued suspension of oil exports due to Houthi attacks on oil facilities, the decline in funding for humanitarian operations in Yemen has had a catastrophic impact on various sectors, especially the health sector, which has been severely affected, as evidenced by the recent outbreak of epidemic diseases and febrile diseases in a number of governorates. We reiterate our call on all brotherly and friendly countries and international donor organizations to support the humanitarian response plan in a manner commensurate with the magnitude of the existing humanitarian needs in various sectors. We call on the United Nations and the international community to keep the humanitarian situation in Yemen on its list of priorities in order to overcome the current circumstances and avoid a potential health crisis.

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