Thank you, Madam President. And thank you Special Envoy Grundberg and OCHA Director Wosornu and Miss Shakir for your briefing.
The meeting of the UN Security Council on Yemen saw a significant address concerning the ongoing conflict in the region. The Permanent Representative of Yemen was welcomed to the meeting, where His Excellency Shaeyea Mohsen al-Zindani was congratulated on his appointment as Yemen’s Foreign Minister. "We welcome his commitment to Yemen’s unity and to reviving a UN-led, Yemeni-Yemeni political process that consults civil society and is aimed at bringing the Yemen conflict to an end."
Concerns were raised over the Houthis' actions in the Red Sea and their impact on peace prospects. U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Lenderking visited Saudi Arabia and Oman earlier this month, continuing diplomatic efforts by the United States to stop attacks in the Red Sea. These attacks have repercussions on global shipping and humanitarian aid delivery, affecting 11.2 million Yemenis.
"In carrying out these attacks, the Houthis are trying to distract attention from their many failures and human rights abuses," it was stated, highlighting continued attacks on Yemenis, including those in Taiz city.
Reports of Houthi forces forcing worshippers to listen to propaganda instead of prayers were disturbing, along with court sentences involving death penalties under dubious charges.
"The group’s ongoing, cruel detention of members of vulnerable religious minority communities is unacceptable," was declared during the meeting.
The role of Iran in supplying weapons to Houthis in violation of a UN arms embargo was highlighted. A call was made for Iran to cease illegal weapons transfers: "Iran’s continuous efforts to foment instability and terror in the region... need to be strongly condemned by this Council."
The United States reiterated its request for detailed reports regarding weapon origins used in incidents related to Resolution 2722. It was stressed that Member States should sanction violators, while mechanisms should be strengthened against escalating violence.
Discussions are anticipated about enhancing UNVIM's capacity regarding vessel inspections heading towards Houthi-controlled ports. The upcoming report from the Yemen Panel of Experts will also be addressed.
Despite challenges, there remains belief in negotiations towards an inclusive Yemeni peace process under UN guidance as "the best path to stability."