15.01.2025 Explanation of Vote by Denmark at the Security Council Adoption on The Red Sea

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Thank you, Mr. President.

Denmark voted in favour of this resolution, and we welcome its adoption.

We commend the penholders, the United States and Greece, for their efforts and for their open and constructive approach throughout the negotiations.

Today’s resolution will ensure that the Security Council continues to receive regular reporting on Houthi attacks on merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, a key matter of which this Council must remain actively seized.

As is often the case in this Chamber, today’s adoption is the product of compromise, for everyone.

During the negotiations, Denmark supported stronger language emphasising the threat of the Houthis’ continued attacks in the Red Sea against the provision of humanitarian aid as well as the marine environment, as clearly highlighted by the attack on the M/V Sounion tanker last year.

Despite this, we believe the resolution sends a strong signal. It demands that member states stop arming the Houthis and prevent them from acquiring arms to carry out further attacks. More must be done to enforce the arms embargo and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Mr President,

Denmark is a small country. But we are a large maritime nation.

We remain committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and the stability of global supply chains in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden for the benefit of global trade and development.

It is essential that the international community continues to uphold the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical waterways, in accordance with international law. Neither state nor non-state actors can be allowed to take that freedom away.

Today’s adoption sends a clear message. A message of firm condemnation of the Houthi attacks, for which there is absolutely no justification. They must stop.

Thank you very much.

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