I thank Special Envoy Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and Executive Director Beasley for their briefings. I also welcome the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Yemen His Excellency Mr Binmubarak.
It is saddening and frustrating that, despite the worsening humanitarian situation and all the efforts for peace, the hostilities in Yemen continue, causing more and more civilian casualties.
We strongly condemn the heinous attack on Aden airport on 30 December that took place just after the landing of a plane carrying the members of the new government. According to credible assessments, the attack in which 27 people were killed, including 3 ICRC staff members, was likely carried out by the Houthis. It is another tragic event for the Yemeni people and another deliberate and indiscriminate targeting of civilian infrastructure – clearly a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law.
Unfortunately, there have been other attacks in Hodeidah and Taiz that have claimed numerous civilian lives. We call on the parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and to protect civilians, especially women and children.
On a more positive note, we welcome the recent formation of the new Government of Yemen as it is an essential step to the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement. Regardless of the challenging circumstances facing the government at the moment, we hope this step will contribute towards a comprehensive political solution in Yemen, with full, equal and meaningful participation of women. In this regard, we remind all parties that there is no military solution to the conflict and we call upon them to agree on the Joint Declaration without delay.
Regarding the humanitarian situation in Yemen, we are very concerned about the rising food insecurity in Yemen – almost 50 000 people are due to be facing famine by July. This calls for immediate unhindered humanitarian access, stepping up humanitarian assistance, but also ensuring the import of fuel and commercial items.
We are concerned about the possible impact of the US designation of Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, especially in regard to the delivery of humanitarian aid and the economic situation. It might also complicate UN efforts to negotiate a political solution.
As a final note, we underline the obligation of all parties to prevent violations of international human rights law and ensure accountability for all violations and abuses. We also reiterate our full support to the recommendation of the UN Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen to the UNSC to integrate the human rights dimensions of the conflict in Yemen more fully into its agenda.
