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14.04.2026 Statement for open briefing on the situation in Yemen

Who Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Sandra Jensen Landi
Who Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Sandra Jensen Landi
When 14.04.2026

Checked against delivery

 

Thank you, Madam President,

 

I also thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Edem Wosornu

 

Madam President,

 

The people of Yemen continue to suffer a vast humanitarian emergency as we have heard from the briefers. In light of the escalating tensions in the region, it is crucial that Yemen is not further drawn into the broader conflict.

 

 

Denmark strongly condemns the recent strikes by the Houthis against Israel, which also threaten greater regional destabilisation, and we underscore the need for ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation to allow for the free flow of trade and goods, including humanitarian goods.

 

We call on the Houthis to immediately cease military actions. De-escalation is crucial also to prevent further regional spillover.

 

Madam President,

 

 

As we have heard, in 2026, more than 22 million people – including 11 million women and girls – will require humanitarian assistance and protection services across Yemen.

 

Further deterioration of food insecurity is alarming, with more than 18 million people facing acute food insecurity. Millions of children are malnourished.

 

We urge Member States to support Yemen’s Humanitarian Response Plan to enable timely and life-saving interventions for the people of Yemen.

 

Rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need is crucial, and we call on the Houthis to allow and facilitate such access in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law.

 

Denmark strongly condemns the continued detention, by the Houthis, of 73 UN staff, along with others from civil society and diplomatic missions, and we reiterate our demand for their immediate and unconditional release.

 

Madam President,

 

It is critical that progress is made towards an inclusive Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political solution, under UN auspices, to reach a negotiated political settlement that can sustainably end this conflict.

 

We hope further progress can be made on the exchange of conflict-related prisoners, which could contribute to the much needed trust-building between the parties.

 

In closing,

 

Denmark also takes note of the closure of the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) on 31 March, in accordance with resolution 2813, with the transfer of its residual tasks to the Office of the Special Envoy.

 

We would like to use this opportunity to thank UN colleagues that served in UNMHA, and we reaffirm the importance for the UN to continue supporting the implementation of the Hudaydah Agreement towards lasting stability in Hudaydah and Yemen.

 

Thank you.