14..01.2026 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on Yemen

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President,

I would also like to thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Director Rajasingham for their briefings.

Mr President,

The recent escalation in the south of Yemen is a cause for grave concern threatening the country’s fragile stability. Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must be respected, and we express our continued support to the Presidential Leadership Council and the government of Yemen.

Denmark calls for de-escalation through a return to dialogue, and encourages all relevant parties to engage constructively in ongoing efforts.

All political differences must be settled to re-establish conditions conducive to negotiating a nationwide comprehensive political settlement to the conflict.

We reaffirm our full support for the UN-led peace process and the efforts of Special Envoy Grundberg in this regard.

Mr. President,

As we enter a new year, many families regrettably continue to miss their loved ones with 73 UN staff members brutally held in Houthi captivity.

Denmark condemns the latest detention of a further 14 UN staff members, as well as the illegal referral of 3 UN staff members to the so-called Houthi specialized criminal court. 

We strongly urge the Houthis to reverse course. All staff from the UN, civil society, NGOs and diplomatic missions must be released immediately and unconditionally.

The immunities of UN personnel must always be respected – in Yemen and across the globe.

We express our full support to the UN in taking the necessary precautions to guarantee the safety of their staff members.

Mr. President,

While these unacceptable detentions continue, the humanitarian situation grows worse by the day.

Denmark is deeply worried about the rising food insecurity and its consequences, especially for the children of Yemen.

With food insecurity expected to worsen over the coming period, more parents in Yemen will be forced to make impossible choices: To sell off their properties and land today to feed their children tomorrow. To force their children to work instead of going to school. To marry off their youngest daughters, some even before they turn 15.

Without immediate action, we risk losing an entire generation.

More financing is urgently needed to address the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen and to ensure that aid reaches those in need. Last year, Denmark contributed with over 5 million USD to the Yemen Humanitarian Fund. We encourage continued and increased engagement from other countries to help close the funding gap.

Mr. President, in closing,

The latest agreement between the Houthis and the government of Yemen to exchange 2900 conflict-related detainees, demonstrates that progress is achievable and offers a glimmer of hope. Denmark calls on all stakeholders to build on this, to ensure that this hope is not lost.

As long as the conflict and division continue to wreak havoc across Yemen, the Yemeni people will continue to suffer. Setting differences aside and finally focusing on bringing peace, security and prosperity to Yemen through dialogue is the only viable path forward.

Thank you.