27.01.2026 Explanation of Vote for renewal of UNMHA mandate

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President,

Denmark voted in favour of this resolution, extending UNMHA’s mandate for another two months before its drawdown on 31 March 2026.

For six years, UNMHA has served as a critical stabilizing presence in Hudaydah. It has engaged with the parties through the Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) to de-escalate tensions, contributed to ensuring accountability for ceasefire violations, and actively deterred and prevented a return to full-scale conflict in the governorate.

Today however, the mission operates in a different political, military and security environment.

The dynamics of the conflict have evolved and the operating environment has significantly narrowed, as UN personnel have become the target of the Houthis’ arbitrary detentions.

In the current operating environment, UNMHA’s ability to fully implement its mandate has become untenable.

We therefore support a drawdown of the mission and an integration of its tasks into the office of the Special Envoy. We hope this can create new synergies with the nationwide political process and help to avoid potential unintended negative impacts on humanitarian aid flows through the port of Hudaydah. We further encourage that adequate resources are devoted to this important integration.

Mr. President,

Let me extend our gratitude to all those who have served in UNMHA despite the challenging circumstances.

Denmark was proud to contribute to the mission during its first year, with Lieutenant General Michael Lollesgaard at the helm.

We will continue to support the implementation of the Hudaydah agreement and encourage all parties to refrain from any escalatory moves at this crucial time and to facilitate an orderly drawdown of the mission, including the retrieval of all its assets.

I thank you.