Statement by Minister Plenipotentiary Paula Barboza - Security Council briefing on the situation in Yemen - July 11, 2022

Statement by Minister Plenipotentiary Paula Barboza - Security Council briefing on the situation in Yemen

July 11, 2022

I would like to thank Mr. Grundberg and Ms. Msuya for their informative briefings, and to welcome our Yemeni colleague to this meeting.

We have now entered the third month of the nationwide truce initiated last April and renewed last June. The first month of the truce coincided with the Yemeni people’s first relatively peaceful Ramadan in more than seven years, and last Friday they were able to celebrate the Eid Al Adha without fear of becoming victims in military confrontations. Since 2014, this is the longest respite that common Yemenis have had from the fighting. These months have given Yemenis hope that the conflict will not rage on indefinitely, that a return to normality is possible.

The truce will not hold, however, if it is not fully implemented. We have seen progress with regard to most provisions, including increased fuel imports and civilian flights in the north. As we have heard repeatedly today, reopening the roads in Taiz and elsewhere is now the missing link among the agreement announced last April. We urge the Houthis to reconsider and commit fully to the Special Envoy’s two-phase plan for reopening roads to civilian traffic. This is not a time for brinksmanship or delaying tactics. On the eve of the Eid, the parties renewed commitment to the truce. This is a very positive signal, but must be followed by action. The truce is the first building block in constructing a permanent ceasefire and a sustainable peace, and reopening the roads is an essential step towards this ultimate goal.

Once more, we have heard from OCHA that the humanitarian response in Yemen faces extremely serious challenges. The truce has brought a sharp decrease in civilian casualties, but we are still very far away from meeting the basic needs of Yemenis. It is urgent that we work as an international community to close the funding gap. If we do not, we will meet again month after month in this Council only to hear that WFP, UNHCR, UNICEF or other agencies have reduced or closed down yet another program, while the needs of Yemenis keep on increasing. The Yemeni crisis must not be forgotten or sidelined.

Humanitarian aid alone is not sustainable, and the Yemeni economy must be given the conditions to recover. This includes regular fuel imports, increased mobility of people and goods, foreign financial aid and especially respecting the military truce. Throughout the conflict, Yemen has seen a vicious cycle of violence, economic crisis and humanitarian disaster. Peace and stability will not return unless each of these factors is dealt with in turn.

Finally, as we prepare to renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement next Wednesday, it is also appropriate to recognize the valuable work done by the Mission in stabilizing the vital Red Sea coast of Yemen, in spite of significant challenges. Hodeida is a lifeline for millions of Yemenis and has a major role to play in the country’s economic recovery. We take this opportunity to reiterate the call for the Houthis to allow the Mission full freedom of movement.

I now resume my duties as president.