Thank you Mr. President,
I thank Special Envoy Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and Ms Shawky for their briefings.
The continuation of the military escalation is extremely worrying. Considering the unprecedented scale of the humanitarian crisis it causes, there can be no justification for increased hostilities.
We reiterate our call to the Houthis to immediately cease the assault on Marib, which is putting two million civilians in danger, as well as to cease the cross-border attacks on the territory of Saudi Arabia. We also remind all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law and refrain from indiscriminate attacks against civilians.
Only an inclusive political solution can end the conflict. We welcome the diplomatic engagement by the US and urge all parties to seize the shift in dynamics, engage with Special Envoy Griffiths and agree on a ceasefire and confidence building measures without delay.
The deadly fire at the overcrowded migrant holding center in Sanaa on 7 March was a grim reminder of the many dangers migrants face in Yemen. The fire claimed at least eight lives and injured at least 170 people, with some now in critical condition. We call for urgent humanitarian access to the injured and for an international investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
We welcome the recent renewal of the Yemen sanctions regime and the mandate of the Panel of Experts. We consider it important that the resolution underlines the need for accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, as well as violations and abuses of human rights. The designation of an individual based on their actions related to systematic detention, torture and sexual violence against politically active women is also significant.
We call for full, equal and meaningful participation of women in the political process and regret the absence of women from the recently formed Government of Yemen.
We reiterate our continued deep concern about the humanitarian situation, especially the rising food insecurity. A holistic long-term solution is needed in order to truly help this country. This includes unhindered humanitarian access, stepping up humanitarian assistance, strengthening Yemen’s economy and finding a long-term solution to the import of fuel and commercial items.
Finally, we reiterate our call upon the Houthi authorities to ensure immediate and full access to the SAFER oil tanker for the UN team, as any further delays may cause a humanitarian and environmental catastrophe.
I thank you.