I would like to begin by welcoming efforts to build upon the ceasefire we have seen over the past week between Iran and the US.
We thank Pakistan and all partners involved for facilitating this important step towards establishing stability in the region and working towards a return to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
However, recent Houthi attacks against Israel threaten to further destabilise the region and undermine Yemen’s security.
We urge the Houthis against resuming these unacceptable attacks and refrain from dragging Yemen into the broader conflict.
After years of instability and economic hardship, the Yemeni people deserve a peaceful and a secure future.
To that end, I commend the strong start made by the new Government of Yemen since its formation in February.
Early progress on reform sends an important signal of commitment to improving governance and economic stability.
We encourage the Government to sustain this momentum to deliver tangible benefits to the Yemeni people and to help create the conditions for durable peace and stability.
The recent publication of the Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) in March highlights the deteriorating humanitarian situation; 22 million people in need of assistance, with 18.3 million people who are acutely food insecure.
Conflict, economic deterioration, and the impacts of flooding and drought are pushing more communities towards emergency levels of hunger.
Without urgent, sustained funding, conditions will worsen further, putting lives at risk.
We need to act now, and together, to address these urgent needs.
On the critical issue of weapons smuggling, the UK was pleased to convene members of this Council and other affected states last month for an expert briefing on arms-smuggling networks utilised by the Houthis, in breach of Security Council Resolution 2254.
We look forward to the Panel of Experts’ forthcoming reporting on dual-use components and maritime interdictions.
The UK will continue to support the vital work of the Panel to sustain momentum in countering Houthi weapons smuggling.
Finally, Mr President, the UK continues to strongly condemn the ongoing detention of aid workers, and we once again call for their immediate release.
These actions by the Houthis violate fundamental rights, due process and shrink the operational space for international NGOs that is vital to support the growing needs of the Yemeni people.