Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr. President,
And let me also thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and acting assistant Secretary-General Ratwatte for their briefings and welcome the permanent representative of Yemen to this meeting.
Denmark notes with concern Yemen’s letter dated 6 July, in which it references serious violations committed by Iran against the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of Yemen.
Denmark condemns Iran’s support to proxies in the region, including to the Houthis in Yemen and demand that Iran cease from any provocation or threat to countries in the region.
In light of today's reported strikes against the Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia, we express our full solidarity with the Kingdom, as we do with all Gulf states as they face Iran and its proxies' destabilizing proxies and attacks.
We underscore the need for full adherence to international law and UN Security Council resolutions, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen.
Iran’s destabilising actions have been negatively impacting the Middle East for too long. We strongly urge the Houthis and Iran to refrain from dragging Yemen into a broader conflict. Any further escalations or threats will only heighten tensions in an already volatile region and jeopardise steps made towards stability.
Mr. President,
The most viable pathway to peace and stability in Yemen has long been and remains through negotiations and an inclusive political process under UN auspices. Denmark fully supports the efforts of Special Envoy Grundberg to facilitate dialogue between the parties to this end.
We welcome the recent agreement between the Government of Yemen and the Houthis to release over 1,600 conflict-related detainees. This demonstrates that progress can be made through dialogue and diplomacy. We urge the parties to intensify their efforts to complete the outstanding technical and operational preparations as soon as possible to ensure the safe and timely release of these detainees.
However, for more than two years, the Houthis have been arbitrarily detaining personnel from the UN, NGOs, civil society and diplomatic missions. Denmark strongly condemns these ongoing detentions and we reiterate our demand on the Houthis for their immediate and unconditional release.
As a result of these actions by the Houthis, the UN has had to reassess its direct operations in areas suffering severe humanitarian crises. Some NGOs continue to persevere on the ground, showing extraordinary courage and commitment. Civilian infrastructure, such as airports and seaports, must be protected, particularly to allow for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid in Yemen.
But, as we heard from OCHA both last month and now again today, less access, less presence and less funding mean less food, less medicine and fewer lives saved.
If nothing changes, hunger will deepen. Suffering will grow. More lives will be lost, and misery and despair will continue.
We are also deeply concerned by the recent escalations in Hudaydah, which has led to many casualties in recent days. We call for urgent de-escalation and dialogue.
In closing,
We once again urge the Houthis to prioritise the wellbeing of the Yemeni people. To immediately release those detained, avoid escalating tensions, and engage in sincere peace efforts, led by Special Envoy Grunberg and his team, with the Government of Yemen, to bring about a sustainable and lasting peace.
I thank you.
