The situation in the Middle East - Security Council, 10105th meeting

The 10,105th meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is the situation in the Middle East. The agenda is adopted. In accordance with Rule 37 of the Council's Provisional Rules of Procedure, I invite the representative of Yemen to participate in this meeting. It is so decided. In accordance with Rule 39 of the Council's Provisional Rules of Procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting. Mr. Hans Grimberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Yemen, and Ms. Lisa Doughton, Director of Financing and Outreach Division, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. It is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of item two of the agenda. I now give the floor to Mr. Hans Grundberg.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, as we navigate an increasingly contested world where established rules and norms are under strain and where conflicts are multiplying across regions, we must be reminded that these are familiar themes for Yemenis. For years, they have lived with the uncertainty brought by the erosion of institutions, the fragmentation of authority and the gradual disappearance of predictable rules. That is why the steps being taken now to improve living conditions and support stabilization in government areas carry such significance. These efforts can restore a measure of stability and predictability so Yemenis lives are shaped less by disruption and improvisation and more by accountable institutions that apply rules fairly and serve citizens equitably. By reducing tensions and building consensus, these steps can also help create a conducive environment for a wider political settlement to the conflict. These are some of the issues I have been discussing in Riyadh from where I brief you today. And here from where I brief you today, and here in Riyadh, I met with the newly appointed Prime Minister, Dr. Sayed Al-Zindani, and members of the Presidential Leadership Council. There are early positive signs in government areas, including improvements in the provision of electricity and payment of public sector salaries. However, continued tensions, recent security incidents and demonstrations where in some cases violence and loss of life have been reported, underscore the fragility of the situation. Improvements in service delivery can be reversed if security deteriorates, if economic reforms stall, or if its institutions are pulled in competing directions. I am particularly concerned about recent attacks targeting media institutions and journalists, including in Aden. A free press and freedom of expression are essential for good governance, public accountability, civic engagement, and channeling disputes through politics rather than force. Mr. President, the new cabinet under Prime Minister Al-Zindani's leadership can protect recent gains by anchoring them in strengthened institutions and economic reforms. That will require an enabling environment that shields the cabinet and the central bank from politicization and rebuilds confidence. I would also like to take this opportunity to commend the appointment of three women ministers after several years of women being absent in the cabinet. This should be reinforced through the full, equal and meaningful inclusion of women in decision-making at all levels of government and in peace negotiation teams and advisory structures. Inclusive peace processes are more legitimate and experience shows that they deliver more sustainable outcomes. In parallel, the Southern Dialogue that is being planned offers an opportunity to begin addressing longstanding grievances and build consensus on issues important to Southerners and all Yemenis. Advancing shared visions for the future will help pave the way to inclusive nationwide discussions and negotiations through which these issues can be addressed comprehensively and sustainably. Ultimately, Mr. President, stabilization in any part of the country will not be durable if the broader conflict in Yemen is not addressed comprehensively. It is high time to take decisive steps in this regard. Without a wider negotiated political settlement to the conflict, gains will continue to remain vulnerable to reversal. In recent weeks, I have been engaging with the Yemeni parties, regional actors and members of the international community to explore pathways to restart an inclusive political process. My office has also been consulting with diverse Yemenis on this question, including with governors to gain more nuanced insights in local concerns and how to address them at the national level. Across these discussions, three reflections on the way forward are clear. First, we must be honest about what more than a decade of war has done to Yemen. The conflict has become more complex. Lines of contestation have multiplied and local dynamics have grown alongside national ones. While regional tensions have increasingly fueled the conflict and being fueled by it, a common objective has remained steady and firm. Yemen needs an inclusive political process under UN auspices to reach a negotiated political settlement that can sustainably end the conflict. But getting there requires that the parties adopt a forward looking approach. We need to build on what still works, revise what are outdated assumptions and be pragmatic in designing a political process for today's reality. Second, Yemen's conflict is a set of interlocking files. Treating political, economic and security issues in isolation can only produce partial results that will not hold. Restarting a political process will therefore require that the parties engage across these tracks in tandem, without making engagement in one track contingent on progress in another. Third, a credible process must deliver for Yemenis on two time horizons. It should enable near-term agreements that reduce suffering and demonstrate progress, including economic de-escalation measures. At the same time, it must create space for Yemenis to negotiate the longer term issues essential to ending the conflict, including the future shape of the state, security arrangements and principles of governance. The conflict related detainee file is a clear example of what can be achieved when the parties choose to engage in dialogue. Right now, the parties are in Amman. negotiating face-to-face under UN auspices to work through the complex task of finalising names of detainees so a release operation can materialise, building on the agreed outcome of their meeting in Muscat in December. I encourage the parties to sustain this engagement, finalise the remaining elements without delay and move swiftly to implementation. With Ramadan approaching, the parties should work towards ensuring families can spend Eid with their loved ones. I also encourage the parties to continue beyond this phase, working toward the commitment to release all conflict-related detainees under the all-for-all principle. I thank the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for hosting these negotiations and the International Committee of the Red Cross for its indispensable role. Mr. President, this week marks one year since our World Food Programme colleague died while held in arbitrary detention by Ansar Allah. There has been no investigation or answers on the circumstances of his death. Instead, today, 73 United Nations colleagues are in addition to other former United Nations staff are detained, along with other from civil society and diplomatic missions. Many have been held incommunicado with serious concerns about the conditions and well-being. Some have been referred to Ansar Allah's special criminal court, which is proceeding with trials that fall far short of basic due process. We have never given up on our detained staff and we continue to pursue every avenue at all levels to resolve this issue. I call on Ansar Allah to unconditionally and immediately release detained staff and rescind all court referrals. I urge regional and international actors to use their influence to push for the same outcomes. Mr. President, before closing, I want to turn to the region, which is again witnessing rising tensions. We all hope for de-escalation. But whatever the regional trajectory, Yemen must not be pulled back into a broader confrontation. The question of peace and war is fundamentally a national one. It cannot be outsourced, nor can it be appropriated by a single actor. No single Yemeni actor has the right to unilaterally drag the country into a regional conflict. The responsibility borne by all Yemeni actors and decision makers is first and foremost to the Yemeni people, to their security, to their livelihoods, and to their future. Upholding Yemen's national interest and the aspirations of all its people must remain the guiding principles at all times, including in moments of heightened tension, restraint in this context is an obligation. Mr President, lasting stability in Yemen depends on building institutions that serve Yemenis equitably wherever they live, so that divergence in views and contestation is channeled through dialogue and peaceful political engagement rather than violence. That requires an inclusive political process under United Nations auspices, and it requires unity behind that objective. I ask this Council to remain united in supporting a credible path back to a political process, and I urge regional actors to align around the same purpose and to use their influence in a coordinated way to steer Yemenis toward engagement. The United Nations remains ready to support Yemen in this endeavour. Thank you very much, Mr President.

I thank Mr Grimberg for his briefing. I now give the floor to Ms Lisa Downton.

Thank you, President. Allow me to start by recalling that despite the Secretary-General's calls and despite all efforts, today 73 UN staff remain arbitrarily detained by the Houthi de facto authorities, along with dozens of others from NGOs and civil society. On January 29th, the de facto authorities again entered multiple UN offices in Sana'a without permission, commandeering equipment and vehicles. The de facto authorities have also continued to withhold clearances for UN humanitarian air service flights to Marib. UNHAS flights into Sana'a resumed over the weekend following a month-long suspension caused by the lack of necessary clearances from the de facto authorities. President, as we have said in this Council before, these detentions of humanitarian workers are having a profound impact on operations. Such interference and impediments come at a time when the humanitarian situation is more desperate than ever. This year, 22.3 million people, or half the population, will need humanitarian assistance, an increase of 2.8 million people from last year. Yemen continues to face the region's most severe hunger crisis. Today, over 18 million people face acute food insecurity. Yemen is also the country with the largest number of people, 5.5 million, experiencing IPC phase four emergency food security conditions or above. The health system is coming under increasing strain. Some 40% of health facilities are not functioning or at risk of closing due to funding shortfalls and our partners scaling back their operations. This has a disproportionate impact on women and girls, as access to essential maternal and reproductive health services becomes even more restricted. This crisis is unfolding amid a rise in outbreaks of preventable disease and low immunization coverage. Just under two-thirds of children are fully immunized. Between January and September last year, Yemen recorded more than 18,600 measles cases and 188 deaths, among the world's highest. Yemen also registered the third highest cholera caseload worldwide between March 2024 and November 2025, with 350,000 suspected cholera and acute watery diarrhea cases and 1,100 associated deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Food insecurity, limited access to health care, and preventable disease are driving a dangerous rise in malnutrition, especially among children. More than 2.2 million children under the age of five are acutely malnourished, including 570,000 suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Nearly one in two children in Yemen is stunted, and wasting rates remain among the worst in the world. An additional 1.3 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are at serious risk to be malnourished this year in 2026. President, despite extreme challenges, humanitarians continue to save lives in 2025. Our partners delivered food aid to over 5 million people, provided 3.3 million medical consultations, and treated more than 330,000 children for severe acute malnutrition. This was achieved with the humanitarian appeal funded at only 28.5%, forcing us to make impossible choices. We deeply appreciate those donors who have continued to stand with the people of Yemen. But as I've outlined, Yemen is at a critical juncture. We must act together now to prevent a return to the devastating levels of hunger and disease witnessed only a few years ago, when malnutrition and cholera overwhelmed a fragile health system and wreaked havoc on communities across the country. President, we remain steadfast in our commitment to reach people across Yemen. Next week in Amman, Jordan, we will convene donors, UN agencies, and international and national NGO partners to refine how we deliver aid so the most vulnerable continue to receive life-saving support amidst the growing limitations. We're reorganizing our operations to better address these challenges. Partners, including international and national NGOs, as well as ICRC that have remained active in DFA held areas will assume a greater share of operational workload on the ground. As we move forward, we will act collectively to ensure that the UN's unique capacities, coordination and operational engagement with line ministries, disease surveillance, technical oversight, and the maintenance of supply lines and humanitarian flights are fully leveraged to enable an effective and principled humanitarian response. I urge this council to actively support these efforts. President, Briefing after briefing, we raise the same issues. The Yemeni people deserve much better. I ask you first to maintain sustained engagement and pressure to secure the release of arbitrarily detained UN and NGO colleagues, as well as those from civil society and diplomatic missions. This goes hand in hand with ensuring that humanitarians are protected and their work is facilitated. Secondly, fund the humanitarian response in Yemen and engage other member states to advocate for early contributions and sustained funding. We must prevent further deterioration. Millions of lives hang in the balance. Thank you.

I thank Ms. Dowson for her briefing. I now give the floor to those council members who wish to make statements. I give the floor to the representative of Bahrain.

Sayed Raees. Mr. President, allow me to thank Mr. Hans Grundberg, the Special Envoy of the Secretary General to Yemen, and Ms. Lisa Doughton of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for their valuable briefings. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of the Sisterly Republic of Yemen, His Excellency Ambassador Abdullah Al-Saadi. The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomes the formation of the new Yemeni government headed by His Excellency Dr. Shihab Mohsen Al-Zindani. We stress our support for its efforts in addressing current developments and preserving Yemen's security, stability and unity. We support the Yemeni government in unifying security and military decision-making, thereby promoting cohesive state institutions and curbing any attempt to undermine civil peace. At the same time, we condemn any terrorist act aimed at disrupting security and inciting new tensions, leading to the loss of innocent lives and terrorizing civilians. We also condemn the Houthi seizure of communications equipment and vehicles from six UN offices and their transfer to unknown locations, as well as their refusal to allow flights of the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service at a time when urgent humanitarian needs are on the rise in Yemen, particularly in Houthi-controlled areas. The Kingdom of Bahrain recalls the Security Council resolutions on the situation in Yemen, most recently resolution 2813 of 2026, which calls upon the Houthis to provide a safe and secure working environment, including through the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained personnel of the UN, diplomatic missions, and non-governmental organizations. Mr. President, achieving development helps in building a future based on stability and prosperity. Accordingly, the Kingdom of Bahrain commends the package of projects and programs announced by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen in vital and essential sectors across various Yemeni governorates. This shows that the sisterly kingdom of Saudi Arabia is focused on supporting security, promoting recovery in Yemen, and providing the good conditions for a better future for the Yemeni people. In conclusion, we reaffirm our support for the special envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Grandberg, and his commendable efforts to resume the political process in Yemen with the aim of reaching a comprehensive settlement that will sustainably end the Yemeni crisis. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the representative of Bahrain for their statements and I give the floor to the representative of Pakistan.

Thank you, Mr. President. We thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Director Lisa Dowton for their briefings. Yemen has unfortunately endured a prolonged political, economic, and humanitarian crisis that has exacted a heavy toll on the Yemeni people. At this critical juncture, as tentative signs of political movement emerge, it is a it is vital to safeguard Yemen's Unity sovereignty and territorial Integrity a stable and unified Yemen is also essential for Regional peace and security Pakistan reaffirms its principal support for Yemen's unity and sovereignty and stresses that all efforts must preserve National cohesion and respect state institutions we welcome the consultations held in Riyadh last month under the Saudi facilitation and encourage all Yemeni stakeholders to engage in good faith and with flexibility. A credible, inclusive and constructive dialogue within the agreed parameters and with a forward-looking approach remains the only viable path towards a negotiated political settlement that reflects the aspirations of the Yemeni people. We appreciate the role of Saudi Arabia and other regional countries towards this end. We welcome the formation of the new cabinet under the Presidential Leadership Council and hope it will strengthen governance, improve service delivery and reinforce institutional coherence. Pakistan supports a Yemeni-owned and Yemeni-led political process facilitated by the UN. We support the special envoys call for a comprehensive and inclusive nationwide process and regional consensus around a peaceful and stable Yemen. President, the humanitarian situation remains grave with nearly 19 million people requiring urgent assistance and protection. Basic services are eroding with less than two thirds of schools and only about half of the health facilities operational. This requires urgently addressing the widening funding shortfall to sustain life-saving operations and prevent further deterioration. Pakistan strongly condemns the continued arbitrary detention of UN humanitarian personnel and diplomatic staff, as well as the unlawful seizure of UN premises and assets in areas under Houthi control. These actions contravene international law and undermine humanitarian work. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained personnel and for full respect for the privileges and immunities of UN personnel, facilities and assets. The Security Council's united action remains critical to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people and to help advance a credible pathway towards peace, stability and prosperity. Pakistan continues to engage constructively in this regard and reaffirms its steadfast solidarity with the government and people of Yemen. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Pakistan for the statement and I give the floor to the representative of the United States.

Thank you, Mr. President. I also want to thank our briefers for the insights they provided today. The United States is pleased that restraint and diplomacy have furthered stability in southeastern Yemen. We are grateful for the diplomatic leadership of our partners, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. We remain supportive of efforts to advance our shared security interests. Recent Houthi actions further close the humanitarian space in northern Yemen. The Houthis have removed equipment from UN offices, threatened to restrict UN humanitarian flights, and left the World Food Program with no choice but to close its operations in northern Yemen. The Houthis continue to detain humanitarian workers, along with other staff of the UN, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions, including the US mission. We condemn these detentions. We call on the Houthis to immediately and unconditionally release all these detainees. This Council must join the United States in countering the Houthi threat by depriving them of resources for their terrorist activities. On January 16th, the United States issued the latest sanctions package targeting Houthi terrorist capacities. This action targets financial links between the Iranian regime and the Houthis, focusing on front companies and facilitators that fund the Houthis destabilizing activities and attacks in the Red Sea. Once again, the United States calls out Iran's defiance of this council's resolutions by supplying the Houthis with arms and related material, as well as military, logistical, and intelligence support. In doing so, the Iranian regime directly enables Houthis destabilizing terrorist activities. We call on the Council to impose consequences, including the designation of those who fail to fully implement UN sanctions on the Houthis and their allies. Finally, we highlight the importance of the UN verification and inspection mechanism. All ships bound for Houthi-controlled ports, including those originating from Chinese ports, should comply with its procedures. Failure to do so suggests evasion of UN sanctions that undermines full implementation of the arms embargo adopted in Security Council Resolution 2216. Mr. President, thank you.

I thank the representative of the United States for their statement, and I give the floor to the representative of Latvia.

I thank you, President. I thank Special Envoy Hans Granberg and OCHA Director Lisa Doughton for their briefings, and I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen to today's meeting. Having heard the valuable insights from the briefers and taking into account the latest developments in Yemen, I would like to make four points. First, at a time when Yemen continues to endure one of the world's gravest humanitarian crises, economic deterioration and persistent political instability, Latvia welcomes the announcement of Yemen's new government. This represents an important step towards stabilising the country and enhancing public service delivery. The presence of women in the cabinet is an especially positive signal, reflecting a dedication to diversity and inclusion. The new government bears a profound responsibility to drive forward essential reforms and to advance inclusive political dialogue. In this context, Latvia reaffirms its unwavering support to continued efforts by the UN Special Envoy with a view to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable political settlement in Yemen. Second, while these developments are encouraging, Latvia strongly deplores the renewed threats by the Houthis against commercial shipping in the Red Sea. This serves as a stark reminder that the underlying threats to maritime security in the region persist and require close and sustained attention of the Council. Safeguarding freedom of navigation and preventing further escalation depend in no small part on curbing the flow of weapons that sustain such threats. The responsibility to implement UN sanctions against the Houthis lies with all Member States. Without full coordinated and effective implementation, the arms embargo will not constrain the Houthis' operational capabilities. Third, Latvia is alarmed by continued attacks on fundamental rights and freedoms in Yemen. We strongly condemn the recent storming of the Aden Al-Ghad newspaper offices. This constitutes a serious violation of the right to freedom of opinion and expression under international human rights law. Latvia calls for a prompt, independent and thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Yesterday's eruption of violence in Shabwah Governorate is yet another example of the extremely volatile security situation in Yemen. As a final point, Mr. President, the erosion of security and fundamental rights in Yemen is compounded by a rapid and continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Recent findings released by Save the Children reveal an alarming increase in harm to children in Yemen over the past year. Child casualties have surged by 70% with the number of children killed doubling compared to a year before. So Latvia's message is unequivocal. All parties must immediately halt the ongoing violence and prevent further harm to children by fully upholding international humanitarian law. Meanwhile, The safety of those delivering aid remains under serious threat, and we condemn the detention of UN humanitarian and diplomatic personnel by the Houthis, as well as the searches of UN offices and seizure of equipment and assets. Latvia calls for an immediate and unconditional release of all detained staff, and an end to these hostile acts, recognising that safeguarding and protecting aid workers is essential to ensure much-needed lifesaving assistance reaches Yemen's most vulnerable. I thank.

The representative of Latvia for the statement, and I give the floor to the representative of Denmark.

Thank you, Mr. President. I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and ORCHA Director Dodin for their briefings, and I welcome the representative from Yemen to this meeting. Denmark reiterates our demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all those unlawfully detained by the Houthis. Denmark strongly condemns the continued detention of aid workers, the death sentences issued to a number of the detainees, as well as forced entry into UN premises. These actions by the Houthis are directly restricting the UN's ability to provide critical humanitarian support in territory under Houthi control. This is an assault not only against the UN, but against ordinary Yemenis in desperate need of life-saving aid. Levels of food insecurity in Yemen are staggering, with more than 18 million Yemenis, about half the population, facing acute food insecurity, while tens of thousands face famine-like conditions. In this vein, we welcome the announcement of the resumption of vital aid flights to Sana'a to provide relief amid overwhelming needs across Houthi-controlled areas. This is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. We call on the Houthis to release all detained UN, NGO and diplomatic staff, facilitate immediate humanitarian access, cease all restrictions and prioritise the well-being of the people of Yemen. Mr. President, it is clear that divisions in southern Yemen are in no one's interest and impede efforts towards lasting peace and prosperity. We must focus our efforts on stabilization and urge all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that could jeopardize a political settlement at this crucial time. Denmark is fully committed to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen. We express our full support to the Presidential Leadership Council. And we welcome the formation of the new government as an important step towards stabilizing the situation, improving service delivery, and pursuing much needed reforms. The return of women to the cabinet is a positive and essential element. Mr. President, to conclude, after 11 years of conflict and insecurity, we must renew efforts towards a credible, inclusive political process to bring a negotiated end to this war. Denmark remains steadfast in our support to these efforts of the special envoy and calls upon all Yemeni stakeholders to engage in good faith towards this end. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Denmark for the statement and I give the floor to the representative of Colombia.

Mr. President, Colombia thanks you for convening this meeting and we also thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Ms. Lita Dalton, Director of Financing and Outreach Division of the Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA. Thank you both for your briefings. I also thank the Permanent Representative of Yemen for his presence this morning. Mr. President, the complex recent evolution of the situation in Yemen requires sustained attention on the part of this Council. Colombia takes note of the efforts to open up spaces for dialogue, including the process for dialogue in the south that has been announced. What's more, my country underscores and points to the consultations that the Special Envoy has been engaged in in Riyadh this week. These are geared towards fostering conditions for this dialogue and articulating positions between different national and regional actors. In our view, the solutions must be established by way of an inclusive process with the support of the United Nations and regional actors. Colombia urges all parties to avoid unilateral actions that would threaten stability and to concentrate efforts on rebuilding shared political framework that avoids tensions escalating. In this regard, we underscored the resumption of negotiations on the exchange of prisoners in Amman, which took place under the auspices of the United Nations, which is an effort that could contribute to generating trust between the parties. Mr. President, The humanitarian situation continues to get worse alarmingly. We have seen the recent resumption of UN humanitarian air service flights into Sanaa for the month of February, although there are still restrictions and significant operational challenges. It's essential for humanitarian personnel to be able to operate without harassment or restrictions. On this, Colombia reiterates the call for the immediate and unconditional release of all United Nations personnel who remain in detention. The recent confiscation of UN equipment and assets are a grave obstruction of humanitarian work and must halt immediately. Mr. President, Colombia reaffirms its support for a broad and inclusive political process that guarantees the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen. The recent efforts on the part of the Special Envoy to reduce tensions between the Yemeni people are essential for rebuilding trust. In our experience, it is only through a participatory process coupled with credible guarantees, with national ownership and national leadership and supported by the international community, that we will be able to achieve a lasting solution. Thank you very much.

Representative of Colombia for the statement. And I give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.

Mr. President, we thank Hans Grunberg and Lisa Dalton for their briefings. The situation in Yemen remains fraught. The consequences of the escalation seen in December in the southern provinces have still not yet been resolved. This situation has an adverse impact on the security situation and is complicating the humanitarian situation as well as resulting in growth of instability on the ground. We trust that all Yemeni stakeholders will exercise restraint and will refrain from any steps that are liable to result in further escalation. The mediation efforts of the countries in the region continue to play an important role in the process, prompting the antagonists to seek compromise. We trust that the initiative of the Presidential Leadership Council related to the conduct of comprehensive dialogue on the southern matter in Al-Riyadh will help to stabilize the military-political situation. The completion of the work on the specific roadmap and its acceptance by all parties to the conflict and the launch of the comprehensive political process with their participation remains the only realistic way out of the crisis for the country under these circumstances. So we trust that the efforts of the Mr. Hans of Grunberg, the special envoy, will be robust. We believe there's a need to step up efforts in terms of resolution with a focus on preserving viable nationwide institutions. Momentum in this process could be generated by the renewal of the normative legal basis for resolution incorporating Security Council Resolution 2216. We see Yemen as a united, sovereign, cohesive state. We firmly believe that the Yemeni people are positioned to independently determine their fate. Solutions to problems and friction need to be devised through wide-ranging nationwide dialogue under the aegis of the UN with the involvement of the representatives all influential socio-political forces, including the Houthis. Mr. President, the humanitarian situation in the country remains complex. And despite the difficulties of organizing humanitarian operations and the persistent risks posed to humanitarian staff, we firmly believe there's a need to continue the work of the United Nations in delivering assistance to the people of Yemen. Curtailment of humanitarian operations inevitably will result in worsening the plight of millions of people, especially amid the dire food security situation in the country. We believe, in principle, it's important to harness the whole range of tools of humanitarian diplomacy. There are no alternatives to dialogue. We believe that only through consistent, professional, constructive cooperation with all Yemeni stakeholders is it possible to arrive at solutions that will help to provide for sustained access, preserve space for humanitarian operations, and raise the level of the protection for humanitarian staff. We trust that UN humanitarian agencies will manage to devise streamlined and pragmatic approaches for ongoing support for the people of Yemen, including in regions that are under the control of the northerners, strictly in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and other fundamental humanitarian principles, which are enshrined in General Assembly resolutions. We are particularly alarmed at the fact that the situation with the detained UN humanitarian staff remains unresolved. Nevertheless, we believe that the UN presence, first and foremost in the north of Yemen, continues to play a key role in maintaining vital assistance delivery and preventing further deterioration of the situation. Regardless of what occurs on the ground, we urge parties not to divide the Yemenis into those who are theoretically good and those who are insufficiently cooperative. We object to the expansive interpretation provisions of specialized Security Council resolutions, including those related to sanctions, which do not provide for the inspection in open seas of vessels headed towards Yemen, nor the delivery of military products confiscated during inspections to third countries. We believe that there can be adverse impact from the closure in March this year of the UN mission in Hodeidah. We abstained during the vote on Security Council Resolution 2813 on 27 January, which triggered the closure mechanism for the mission. We will continue to hope that this will not result in attention being turned away from delivering assistance to Yemeni civilians. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for their statement, and I give the floor to the representative of Greece.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to thank Special Envoy Grunberg and OCHA Director Doten for their informative briefings. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen in the meeting. I would like now to raise four points. First, we strongly condemn the entry by the Houthis into at least six United Nations offices in Sana'a and the illegal removal of UN assets. Such actions are unacceptable and represent a serious breach of the inviolability of UN premises, assets and operations. We call upon the Houthis to immediately cease all actions that impede the work of the UN and humanitarian actors and to enable a safe and secure operating environment. This must include the immediate and unconditional release of all unlawfully detained personnel from the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, humanitarian workers, and diplomatic mission staff. As we mark one year since the death of the WFP staff member unlawfully detained by the Houthis, we reiterate our call for full clarity regarding the circumstances of his death and accountability. We further underscore the urgent need for all parties in Yemen to fully comply with international human rights and humanitarian law and to ensure the protection of civilians, particularly women and children. Second, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen continues to be extremely grave. This year, an estimated 23 million people, over half of the population, require humanitarian assistance, including more than 18 million facing food insecurity, while nearly half of all children under the age of five are projected to suffer from malnutrition. These alarming figures underscore the urgent need for sustained international support. We stress that the continued restrictions imposed by the Houthis significantly undermine humanitarian access, coordination, and the delivery of life-saving assistance to people in need. In this regard, UN authorisation to operate flights to the Houthi controlled areas in a safe and secure environment must be not simply sustained, but made permanent. We recognize the difficult circumstances that have led the World Food Programme to suspend operations in northern Houthi-controlled areas. At the same time, we stress that the work of WFP is indispensable to addressing Yemen's severe humanitarian crisis. We reaffirm our full support for the WFP and other humanitarian actors and underline the urgent need for unimpeded access, sustained funding and security guarantees for humanitarian personnel. Third, on the political front, we welcome the formation of the new Yemeni government and express our full support for unity within the Presidential Leadership Council. We reiterate our unwavering commitment to Yemen's unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. We, at this critical juncture, sustained and focused efforts are needed to advance an inclusive Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process. We welcome the participation of women in the new government and underscore the importance of their full, equal, and meaningful engagement in decision-making processes. We further reaffirm our steadfast support to Special Envoy Grundberg to reinvigorate the peace process and achieve a sustainable political solution. Houthi's recurring threats against maritime traffic underscore the serious and destabilizing risk they continue to pose to freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Red Sea region, with significant and ongoing implications for international shipping and global trade. Trust has yet to be restored. Greece remains fully committed to supporting regional and international efforts to this effect. including through EU naval operation EASPEDIS, in full respect of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Greece for the statement, and I give the floor to the representative of Somalia.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of A3, namely the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, and my own country, Somalia. We express our gratitude to the Special Envoy Hans Granberg and ORCHA Director Lisa Dalton for their comprehensive briefings on the political and humanitarian landscape. We also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen in today's meeting. E3 remains concerned by the continued fragility of the situation in Yemen, which persists at the volatile intersection of political uncertainty, humanitarian distress, and regional security risk. While large-scale hostilities have not returned to previous levels, recent developments underscores how localized tensions can rapidly escalate, placing civilians, humanitarian aid, and political process at risk. Mr. President, A3 reaffirms our strong support for the UN-led mediation and the role of the Special Envoy in facilitating an inclusive Yemeni-owned, Yemeni-led political process. In this context, we are closely monitoring developments in the south and east of the country, where tensions between the Yemen Government and the Southern Transition Council have exposed the fragility of existing arrangements. At the same time, A3 welcomes the Riyadh process aimed at bringing together all different factions back to the negotiating table to inclusive and unified government. We further welcome the formation of the new Yemeni government led by Prime Minister Shihab Mohsen Al-Zandani and encourage all parties to engage in inclusive dialogue to prioritize national reconciliation. We note that the signs of de-escalation, including shifts in territorial control, have contributed to improved stability in parts of Aden, where the reopening of the airport and the lifting of the curfew represent positive steps for civilian protection. A3 urges all actors to consolidate their gains through restraint and to avoid unilateral measures that risk further fragmenting the country. Mr. President, the humanitarian situation in Yemen remains among the most severe globally, and the E3 is alarmed by the catastrophic collapse in funding. United Nations have issued a dire warning. 2026 may see the first reversal of humanitarian progress in a decade, with roughly 18 million people, half of the population, projected to face acute food insecurity by late this month. As the 2025 response plan remains only 28% funded, The World Food Programme decision to shut down operations in northern Yemen by March will lead to a devastating loss of jobs and vital assistance for thousands of Yemenis. Furthermore, with Yemen's health system approaching a total collapse, over 450 facilities already closed, the country has become a breeding ground for preventable epidemics like cholera, polio and measles. While the situation in Aden has stabilized sufficiently and allow operations to continue, activities outside the city remain cautious. Recent clashes in Hadramout have affected hundreds of households and it remains too early to facilitate the return of internally placed persons until conditions allow for a safe and dignified process. A3 reiterates our grave concern regarding the continued arbitrary detention of U.N. and humanitarian personnel by the Houthis. The prolonged detention of these individuals is unacceptable. We demand their immediate, unconditional release and urge all parties with influence to resolve this issue swiftly. In closing, Mr. President, A3 strongly encourages all Yemeni parties to demonstrate renewed urgency in advancing a sustainable political settlement. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Yemen's sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and political independence. Yemen's path to lasting peace lies not only in military de-escalation, but in dialogue, compromise, and sustained international engagement. The Security Council must remain united in supporting the de-escalation and humanitarian access to meet the aspiration of the Yemeni people. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the representative of Somalia for the statement, and I give the floor to the representative of China.

Thank you, President. I'd like to thank Special Envoy Groenborg and Director Dalton for their briefings. The Yemeni issue has protracted for years with the Yemeni people trapped in the vortex of conflict, suffering from prolonged turmoil. At present, the political process in Yemen remains stalled. Security risks continue to intersect and multiply. The humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating. Restoring peace and stability in Yemen faces formidable challenges. The international community should redouble its efforts and work together to promote an early political settlement of the Yemeni issue so that the people of Yemen may once again enjoy peace and tranquility. I wish to make three points. First, it's essential to uphold political solution and sustain momentum in the Yemeni peace process. The recent developments in southern Yemen have drawn broad attention. China supports the preservation of Yemen's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. We urge all parties to address their differences through political dialogue, work towards early reconciliation and swift resumption of economic reconstruction. The international community broadly recognizes the legitimate government of Yemen. We welcome this successful formation of the new government. In recent days, the legitimate government of Yemen and the Houthis held discussions on the implementation of the prisoner exchange agreement. We hope that agreement will be carried out in good faith, thereby helping to rebuild confidence between the parties. OMHA is due to withdraw. It's imperative to ensure a seamless transition and an orderly transfer of responsibilities so that the UN may continue to play a substantive role in advancing peace process in Yemen. Second, it's essential to prevent escalation and to jointly safeguard peace and stability in Yemen. We urge all Yemeni parties to exercise calm and restraint, to refrain from the use of force or any that could reignite conflict to preserve stability on the ground. The overall situation in the Red Sea remains stable. Every effort must be made to sustain this positive momentum. The Houthis should respect the right of commercial vessels from all countries to navigate the Red Sea in accordance with international law and ensure the security of shipping lanes in the Red Sea. Relevant parties should earnestly respect Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Third, it's necessary to scale up humanitarian assistance and every effort to alleviate Yemen's humanitarian crisis. Yemen is facing its most severe food crisis in years, with 18 million people threatened by acute hunger. The international community must increase its humanitarian support for Yemen and ensure adequate funding for UN humanitarian agencies. to curb the further deterioration of the food crisis. The international humanitarian law must be upheld. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be targeted. The safety and security of UN personnel and facilities must be guaranteed. China reiterates its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN personnel and underscores once again that such actions are unacceptable precedent. The situation in Yemen and the Red Sea is closely linked to the developments in the wider Middle East. Only a genuine, comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza can stabilize the situation in the Red Sea. We call for full compliance with the first phase ceasefire arrangement for Gaza, an end to all violations of the ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access into Gaza, and the effective implementation of a two-state two-state solution. China will continue to work together with the international community to make unremitting efforts towards achieving a political settlement of Yemeni issue and restoring peace and stability across Middle East. Thank you, President. In response to the relevant statement by the U.S. representative, I wish to stress that China has been strictly upholding and implementing council resolutions, conscientiously fulfilling its international obligations. China's approach to the export of military equipment has always been prudent and responsible. Our control of dual-use items has always been stringent. In the meantime, Chinese companies have the right under WTO rules and market principle to carry out normal commercial and trade cooperation with all countries, the US representative, without presenting any evidence, has resorted to insinuation and groundless accusation against China. We find this regrettable and we reject such accusation. Thank you.

I thank the representative of China for the statement and I give the floor to the representative of Panama.

Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Mr. Hans Knud Berg, and the Director of Financing and Outreach Division of OCHA, Ms. Lisa Daughton. Thank you both for your briefings. While we have seen a certain level of calm in some areas, the humanitarian situation in Yemen remains one of the world's most grave and complex crises. Around 19.5 million people, require humanitarian assistance in a context marked by deterioration of the economy and weak basic services with a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable populations, especially women and children. In this context, with 4.5 million internally displaced persons, We are seeing a worsening of the already critical situation faced by thousands of Yemeni families. The loss of livelihoods, limited access to food, healthcare and education, as well as precarious housing conditions, all of these are increasing the vulnerability of displaced persons and imperiling their safety and well-being. Moreover, the actions of the Houthis intended to destabilize Yemen and consolidate their control over areas of the north are undermining deliberately the delivery of humanitarian aid. As we have repeated each month here at this council since January 2025, the campaign of intimidation on behalf on the part rather of the Houthis that includes arbitrary and illegal detention of humanitarian workers as well as the violation of areas under United Nations supervision infringing on their protected status and confiscating the assets of these facilities constitutes a grave violation of international law Panama deplores the Houthis narrative that unjustly seeks to blame humanitarian personnel for the consequences of their own missteps. In this regard, we reiterate our strong appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of United Nations representatives, as well as representatives of non-governmental organizations, both national and international ones, as well as members of civil society and diplomatic corps. excellencies, the situation in Yemen requires our ongoing attention. Occurrences across the country, as well as the changes in its political configuration, must push us to identify spaces for cooperation through the special envoy that would enable us to strengthen the coordination of international efforts and ensure that the national response plans are protected, the political framework that's internationally recognized and the Stockholm agreements. What's more, we reiterate the importance of addressing the aspirations and needs of the South in order to strengthen regional unity, which is a fundamental element required to advance towards sustainable and inclusive peace. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Panama for the statement. And I give the floor to the representative of France.

I wish first and foremost, Mr. President, to thank the special envoy of Secretary John, Mr. Grunberg, and a director of financing outreach division of OCHA, Madam Dotin, for their briefings. I also welcome the permanent representative of Yemen. First and foremost, France reaffirms our commitment to the unity, the sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Yemen. We fully support the efforts of shoring up the Yemeni state, which are being conducted by the legitimate government. Following the December 2025 crisis, stabilization of the country and reinforcement of the Yemeni government need to be prioritized. That having been said, we applaud the establishment of the new government. The inclusion within this government of young people and women is a remarkable step forward towards a diversified national representation reflecting Yemeni society. The new government needs to be able to work to strengthen stability and security of the country, as well as to meet the basic needs of the Yemeni people. France will continue to provide support for the legitimate authorities for the benefit of the population. France also welcomes the prospect of convening an Saudi Arabia, the inclusive dialogue for resolution of the question of the Yemeni south, as was announced by President Alimi. Turning to my second point, we demand the immediate unconditional release of UN NGO staff, as well as diplomatic staff who have been arbitrarily detained by the Houthis. We pay tribute to the memory of the World Food Program staff member who died in detention nearly one year ago to the day. on the 10th of February 2025 France condemns in the strongest terms the death sentences handed down by the so-called specialized Houthi criminal tribunal the recurrent seizure of equipment and occupation of the offices of several UN agencies are unacceptable these acts run counter to and fly in the face of international law obstruct and undermine the safety of staff and undermine and get in the way of the delivery of humanitarian assistance which Yemeni people need unacceptable conduct of the Houthis represents an obstacle to any progress on the humanitarian front. Third, the Houthis must cease their destabilizing activities in the region and in Yemen. The movement continues to threaten the region as well as maritime trafficking with aggressive rhetoric. In light of the posture of the Houthis in the regional context, there is a risk of escalation, and this risk is persistent. France will continue our commitment for maritime safety and security and of navigation through the EU naval operation Aspides, and this in accordance with international law and together with our European and international partners. Lastly, France reaffirms our full support for the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, whose efforts are key. We call upon all Yemeni stakeholders to engage in good faith in the resumption of the political process under the aegis of the United Nations, the only framework which can provide for lasting peace. Thank you.

I thank the representative of France for the statement. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United Kingdom. I thank Special Envoy Grimberg and Director Doughton for briefing us today, and I welcome the participation of the representative of Yemen in our meeting. First, I would like to start by welcoming the announcement of the new government of Yemen and commend the leadership of Prime Minister Zindani and the Presidential Leadership Council. This marks an important step for Yemen and an opportunity for important economic governance and security reforms. The UK fully supports the government's efforts to advance security, stability and prosperity for the Yemeni people. We would like in particular to welcome the three new women ministers in the cabinet. An inclusive government is vital for lasting progress. Second, following the adoption of resolution 2831, we remain closely engaged on the orderly and safe drawdown of UN personnel and assets as the UN mission to support the Hodeidah agreement, UNMHA, in Yemen closes. We look forward to the Special Envoy's continued efforts to deliver on the UN's commitments under the Hodeidah Agreement. Third, Yemen remains one of the most acute humanitarian crises in the world, as we've heard today, with 22 million people in need of assistance, spiralling food insecurity, and the potential collapse of the primary healthcare system. We need to act collectively and urgently to galvanise efforts to address these needs. Finally, we've heard again today in the Council the unequivocal call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained by the Houthis. The UK strongly condemns the death sentences issued by the Houthi authorities and the continued detention of aid workers. These actions violate fundamental rights and due process. They also shrink the operational space for NGOs, which is vital to supporting Yemenis who remain in desperate need. They must be released. I resume my function as President of the Council. I now give the floor to the representative of Yemen.

Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, I'd like to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for this month, and I thank your predecessor, the permanent representative of the sister Republic of Somalia. I congratulate him for his successful presidency of the Council last month. I thank Mr. Hans Grundberg and Ms. Lisa Doten for their briefings. I address you today, Mr. President, as the conditions in Yemen have once again entered a new stage. At present, work is ongoing to bolster stability and security, to focus all our efforts on reinstating the state and state institutions, and to alleviate the humanitarian suffering caused by the Iran-backed terrorist Houthi militias. During the past weeks, the Yemeni government has made tangible progress in several areas. It unified decision-making in security and military affairs. It improved the delivery of basic services, which included addressing the electricity crisis and paying the salaries of civil and military employees with the support of our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Significant progress has also been made in ending the militarization of cities, which is a step that was stalled for years. In addition, all illegal prisons have been closed. The National Commission to Investigate Allegations of Human Rights Violations, which is an internationally backed independent mechanism, This commission has conducted field work as it carried out its duties. Moreover, the Yemeni government took practical measures to enhance the efficiency of ports and airports and ensure that they are managed in accordance with international standards, contributing to the flow of humanitarian aid and commercial imports that millions of Yemenis desperately need. The Yemeni government is well aware that these gains will remain fragile. as the smuggling of funds and weapons to rogue groups continues and as the Houthi militias continue to usurp state institutions and hold the interests of the Yemeni people hostage to the Iranian regime's expansionist schemes in the region. We reiterate now and always that the Houthi militias continue to pose the most serious and greatest threat to the security and stability of Yemen, the region and the world, and to international navigation. The peace we seek cannot be built with militias that see war, chaos and destruction as a means of survival. We reaffirm the full commitment of the Government of Yemen to strengthen its close strategic partnership with the international community to counter common threats, to combat terrorism and organized crime, and to protect international navigation. Mr. President, the new Yemeni government headed by His Excellency Dr. Shuaa Muhsin Al-Zindani, which was formed in exceptional and complex circumstances, carries a clear message, namely that of strengthening national partnership as broadly as possible. For the first time in years, Yemeni women are participating in this government and hold three ministerial portfolios. Their participation is based on a formula of competence and fair representation, which is an important entitlement that has long been deferred. In this phase, the Yemeni government will build on what's been achieved in recovery plans and economic, financial, and administrative reforms. It will support the independence of the central bank, it will protect the national currency, and create effective institutions. It will bolster law and order, strengthen oversight bodies, and provide basic services to citizens throughout the country. The success of this government in performing these tasks requires sustained political, economic, and technical support from the international community. Such support is needed to boost the government's efforts to institute institutional reforms, improve economic and service conditions, alleviate human suffering, and promote a comprehensive and sustainable peace process. We highly appreciate the generous support and firm fraternal positions by our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which stands by the Yemeni people and their legitimate government as it works to achieve economic stability and alleviate human suffering. We appreciate Saudi Arabia's effective interventions in the development and humanitarian sectors, enabling the government to fulfill its commitments and giving strong impetus to the path of reforms and economic recovery. This support is of paramount importance as Yemen experiences its most difficult circumstances. It reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's sincere desire to help Yemen establish peace, development, and stability. Mr. President, the issue of the south is a top priority for the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni government. We appreciate the generous patronage of our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of the Southern Dialogue Conference, which is a responsible political path and a necessity to address this issue as a just national political matter that cannot be bypassed or denied. This issue can only be addressed through dialogue and consensus away from exclusion and marginalization. Mr. President, the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni government have affirmed on more than one occasion, they've affirmed their commitment to peace in accordance with the political solutions terms of reference. These include primarily Security Council Resolution 2216. Unfortunately, and over the past years, the Houthi militias have foiled all regional and international efforts and those efforts made by the United Nations to establish peace and end the conflict. This situation necessarily calls for effective action towards an international approach that is different from the earlier policy of containment in dealing with the Houthi militias behavior and threats. This change includes shifting away from a policy of crisis management to a policy of crisis resolution, and empowering the state to exercise its authority, manage institutions, and uphold sovereignty through practical steps and a close partnership with the Yemeni government, a partnership that would give the government stronger tools to exercise its authority throughout the country. that would enable it to perform its duties and contribute to regional and international security and stability, thus achieving the interests and aspirations of the Yemeni people. Supporting the Yemeni state economically, politically, and in the field of security is a direct investment in the security and stability of the region and the world. Mr. President, as we approach the holy month of Ramadan, Yemenis are following the meetings of the supervisory committee for the exchange of prisoners and detainees, which commenced in Amman a few days ago under the auspices of the United Nations. Allow me, Mr. President, to thank both the Sultanate of Oman and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for generously hosting these consultations. We highly appreciate the efforts led by the United Nations in this important humanitarian matter. We reaffirm the keen interest of the Yemeni government to ensure the success of this humanitarian track. Our position is firm in ending the suffering of thousands of Yemeni families and completing the implementation of the prisoner exchange agreement, ensuring the release of all detainees, prisoners, and abductees in accordance with the principle of all for all without any conditions and as stipulated in the Stockholm agreement. We call for exerting pressure on the Houthi militias to release all prisoners and abductees, including journalists, prisoners of conscience, politicians, and academics, and to put an end to the obstacles that are fabricated by the Houthi militias in this humanitarian matter. We hope that this important step will serve as a gateway to closing this humanitarian dossier and a basis for building the necessary confidence needed for any comprehensive peace process in Yemen. We warned the Houthi militias against issuing death sentences against dozens of abductees, including staff of international organizations, UN agencies, and diplomatic missions, because it would be a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, and it would be in defiance of the appeals of the international community and the Security Council. In closing, we, Mr. President, are in favor of peace, but we want a peace that ends this conflict and establishes a secure and stable future in Yemen, the region, and the world. The stability and security of Yemen are no longer in the interest of Yemenis alone, rather it is a shared regional and international interest. This desired peace is made by strong will and not by making wishes. Our will is firm in achieving a just and comprehensive and sustainable peace that meets the aspirations of our Yemeni people. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the representative of Yemen for the statement. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting is adjourned.