09.07.2025 Statement by Denmark at UNSC Breifing on Yemen

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President,

And like others, let me also thank Special Envoy Grundberg and USG Fletcher for their substantial briefings as well as Ms. Nasser for her analysis and concrete recommendations.

Mr. President,

After several months of calm, the situation is now again escalating. We strongly deplore the resumption of Houthi attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea this week, leading to the sinking of vessel Magic Seas. We further denounce the attacks on the vessel Eternity C that caused the death of several crewmembers. Denmark also strongly condemns the Houthis’ continued attacks on Israel.

The destabilizing actions of the Houthis in Yemen, the Red Sea and across the wider region remains a threat to maritime security and risk dragging Yemen further into regional conflict. They must cease immediately and freedom of navigation must be respected in line with international law.

We need to see renewed momentum in the peace efforts, critical to improving economic and humanitarian conditions in the country.

Unfortunately, the Houthis’ unacceptable involvement in broader regional tensions has continued to stall progress towards a roadmap for peace in Yemen. We are also concerned over the reported growing links between the Houthis and non-state actors such as Al-Qaeda.

We stress the value of crucial confidence building measures needed to pave the way for the resumption of an inclusive political process in line with Special Envoy’s efforts who we continue to fully support. As we have heard today, the recent opening of the road between Aden and Sana’a is a welcome example of such measures, which we hope is one of many.

This opening demonstrates that with political will, progress is possible. Denmark will continue to support all efforts to this end. To de-escalate tensions and improve the security and humanitarian situation for ordinary Yemenis who have suffered too much for too long.

Mr. President,

As we have heard, the humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate. 60 percent of the population requires humanitarian and protection assistance - a staggering increase of 1.5 million compared to just last year.

Amidst this dire situation, Yemen continues to endure crisis upon crisis, marked by its status as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries globally. For the past months, devastating flooding has eroded livelihoods, displaced thousands, destroyed vital infrastructure and contributed to a renewed country-wide cholera outbreak.

This emergency unfolds at a time when hundreds of health facilities have been forced to close due to funding constraints. These humanitarian needs are further compounded by shortages of medical supplies, as well as frequent electricity outages, all of which undermine life-saving efforts on the ground.

As food insecurity is soaring, malnutrition levels rise, and epidemics spread, we must find new ways to meet the growing needs of the population in all of Yemen.  

Mr. President,

While humanitarian aid can save lives, it is rendered powerless if it cannot reach those in need. Humanitarian organizations, including the UN, must be able to operate in security wherever the people require aid. This is a major issue in Yemen, where the operating environment for humanitarian workers remains extremely challenging. We call on the Houthis to ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to ensure assistance can reach all civilians in need.

We reiterate our demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained by the Houthis.

I Thank you.