Positive momentum towards peace and stability in Yemen
Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council briefing on Yemen
Thank you, President. And, can I start by thanking the Special Envoy and the Assistant-Secretary-General from OCHA, for their briefings – and, to the UN, in general, for their continued efforts on securing long term and lasting peace in Yemen.
We welcome the positive impact on the lives of Yemeni people of the continued reduction of violence, resulting from the truce, and the progress on the confidence building measures.
Special Envoy, we welcome the multitrack process that you have outlined, and Ms Msuya’s proposals for economic recovery. The truce and confidence building measures are important first steps, but, as we’ve discussed before, securing sustainable peace will require ambition and progress on a wide range of issues, including on the economic and military tracks, as well as the unblocking of roads across Yemen.
We also welcome the news that the Military Coordination Committee intends to establish monthly meetings to address the key events of concern.
I’d like to highlight three concerns, in particular:
The first is that the UK remains concerned about the humanitarian, and wider social and economic impact, of the continued road closures around Taiz. Special Envoy, we echo your calls for all sides to coordinate to reach agreement as soon as possible to open the main roads, and reap the benefits of that.
Second, on de-mining, we welcome the reduction in reported civilian casualties since the truce began. But, as you said, Special Envoy, landmines and unexploded ordnance are claiming increasing numbers of civilian lives, including those of children.
Increasing humanitarian access would enable UNMHA to protect some of the most vulnerable Yemenis, so we continue to call on all parties to support de-mining efforts across Yemen.
Third, food insecurity. The global growth in commodity prices, which you both referred to, means increased food insecurity, hunger, famine in Yemen. And food prices have hit record highs. So, we echo Ms Msuya’s call to all donors to ensure that funding is made immediately available for disbursement, at pace, to reduce the suffering.
Finally, the UK also remains concerned about the threat posed by the SAFER oil tanker and the shortfall in funding for the UN’s emergency operation. Inaction will come at a high price.
The UK has pledged $5 million towards the UN plan, and we urge others to commit funding to bridge the remaining $20 million gap so the emergency operation can begin to address the risk of profound humanitarian and environmental damage.
In conclusion, President, we urge parties to continue to show the courageous leadership to build on positive momentum to ensure progress, and to prioritise the peace and stability of Yemen. As the Special Envoy said, this is the best opportunity for peace in years.
I thank you.