Thank you, Under-Secretary General Fletcher and Special Envoy Grundberg for your briefings.
Firstly, I would like to welcome the Special Envoy’s announcement of agreement to release detainees related to the conflict. We commend the efforts of the UN, the ICRC and Saudi Arabia to secure this, and express our thanks to Jordan and Oman for their support.
The UK urges all parties to ensure the full and timely implementation of the agreement and to build further on this positive momentum.
However, even as we welcome this positive and tangible step, we reiterate our condemnation of Houthi detentions of staff from the UN, NGOs, civil society and diplomatic missions. We remain deeply concerned for the welfare of those held some of whom have now been separated from their families for over 2 years.
Earlier this month, Security Council members reaffirmed our demand for the unconditional, safe and immediate release of those detainees, including 73 United Nations personnel. Council members also reiterated that humanitarian personnel must be able to operate safely in line with international humanitarian law.
Threats to those delivering humanitarian assistance are unacceptable and have resulted in the pause of lifesaving programmes, worsening the dire situation for millions of Yemenis in need.
The UK welcomes continued efforts across the United Nations and through all possible channels to secure their immediate and unconditional release.
Second, we remain deeply concerned by food insecurity situation in Yemen and have heard powerful further information on this today from USG Fletcher.
Over 18 million Yemenis – nearly half the population – are already food insecure, with many forced to resort to extreme coping strategies such as selling their house or land to meet basic food needs. Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis projects a further decline over the coming months.
Last year, the UK provided over $190m towards the humanitarian response in Yemen, and we remain committed to supporting these efforts and working collectively with partners to reach those most in need.
Third, despite the challenging regional context, we must keep international attention on the pursuit of stability and security for Yemen.
The Government of Yemen have made significant progress since February, including with the support of the Saudi Arabia, whose provision of fuel derivatives came at a critical moment.
The UK will continue our strong support for President Al-Alimi and Prime Minister Zindani as the Government pursues important reforms and works towards a new National Development Plan for Yemen.