Discurso do Representante Permanente Alterno, Embaixador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, em reunião do Conselho de Segurança sobre o Iêmen - 17 de abril de 2023 (texto em inglês)

Statement by Brazil at the UN Security Council Briefing on Yemen
April 17th , 2023

Mister President,

I thank both our briefers for their informative updates. Brazil conveys its appreciation for their work and dedication in favour of peace, stability, and progress for all Yemenis. I welcome the Delegation of Yemen to this meeting.

We are encouraged by positive developments in the region, which include the resumption of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Brazil once again congratulates the People’s Republic of China for its successful efforts in mediating the agreement. We also recall and commend the efforts undertaken by the governments of the Republic of Iraq and the Sultanate of Oman in the process of rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

In the same spirit of dialogue and cooperation, the recent agreement on the exchange of almost 900 conflict-related detainees is another promising step in the right direction. Not only does it help to rebuild trust, but it also sends a strong message that peace is achievable through diplomacy and negotiation.

Brazil commends the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the parties for this achievement. We also urge all stakeholders to continue making progress on the path to peace.

To effectively seize the opportunity created by this renewed push for a sustainable resolution to the conflict in Yemen, it is crucial that the parties refrain from provocation and prioritize the Yemeni people. The recent military escalation in the provinces of Shabwa and Marib, leaving numerous casualties on both sides, caused us much concern. Brazil notes in this regard that the Council has been unanimous in condemning such attacks, which threatened to undermine the positive momentum we currently see on the ground.

Therefore, we call upon all parties, particularly the Houthis, to exercise restraint and commit to de-escalation to prevent a return to the tragedy of full-blown war. We must remember that lasting peace in Yemen can only be achieved through dialogue and compromise rather than through force. Brazil reiterates its call for a ceasefire agreement in Yemen, which can lead to a comprehensive political process, under the UN auspices.

The road to reconciliation must also involve a comprehensive plan for economic reconstruction, which should entail rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure, promoting local industries, and ensuring that all Yemenis have access to basic services and opportunities for a better life.

The international community is crucial in supporting these efforts, providing the necessary resources and expertise to help the country tackle its challenges and achieve sustainable growth and development.

At the same time, Brazil remains concerned by the protracted humanitarian crisis in Yemen, in which millions of people continue to suffer from a lack of immediate needs, including food, water, and healthcare. We must act with urgency to alleviate their suffering.

This includes addressing the issue of food security, which is of paramount importance. All people have the right to access affordable and nutritious food. International cooperation is needed to help Yemen build resilient agricultural systems that can support long-term food security and provide the foundation for the country’s development.

As we have highlighted on previous occasions, promoting food security is essential to achieve stability, reinforce trust and reach durable solutions. Restrictive measures imposed against Yemen should not hinder access to agricultural goods or undermine the necessary conditions for economic stability and development. The easing of import restrictions are a welcome step in that regard.

Mister President,

Together, we can contribute to a new chapter in the history of this ancient and resilient nation, by fostering dialogue, promoting cooperation, and supporting all efforts to build a peaceful, sustainable, and prosperous Yemen.

And I thank you.