Escalating Violence in Yemen
In recent weeks, Yemen has witnessed a significant surge in violence, primarily attributed to the reckless actions of the Houthis. This escalation includes drone and missile attacks directed at Saudi Arabia, assaults on international shipping routes in the Red Sea, and breaches of Yemeni airspace by Iranian aircraft. Such provocations pose a grave threat to the stability of Yemen and the surrounding region.
It is imperative for Iran to halt its longstanding support for the Houthis, as this continues to undermine security in Yemen. Our thoughts are with the victims of these violent actions, including those from Yemen, Pakistan, and Indonesia, who have suffered injuries or lost their lives.
Last week, the international community conveyed a strong message condemning the actions of the Houthis and calling for a de-escalation of hostilities. We urge the Houthis to redirect their efforts towards achieving peace and alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people, rather than dragging Yemen into a broader regional conflict.
The United Kingdom reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and security of Yemen and Saudi Arabia, as well as to the overall stability of the region.
A Dire Humanitarian Crisis
The recent escalation of violence has exacerbated an already critical humanitarian situation. Over 22 million individuals in Yemen are in need of humanitarian assistance, with more than 18 million facing food insecurity. Alarmingly, over 2.2 million children under the age of five are acutely malnourished.
As a nation that heavily relies on food and fuel imports, Yemen is particularly susceptible to further shocks. With humanitarian funding under significant strain and warnings from the Food and Agriculture Organisation regarding drought risks and increased food insecurity, a return to large-scale conflict could transform an already bleak scenario into an outright disaster.
The United Kingdom is committed to collaborating with partners to bolster the humanitarian response, building upon the over $180 million in UK funding allocated last year for life-saving assistance.
Concerns Over Detained Humanitarian Workers
We are also deeply troubled by the Houthis’ ongoing detention of 73 United Nations staff members and numerous personnel from NGOs and civil society, many of whom have been held for over two years. The Houthis must immediately and unconditionally release all those who are detained and ensure that humanitarian workers can operate safely and without obstruction.
Welcoming New Leadership in Yemen
The United Kingdom welcomes the historic appointment of Dr Afrah Al-Zouba as Yemen’s first female Foreign Minister. We anticipate working collaboratively with her and the broader Government of Yemen to support essential reforms and enhance security and stability, particularly through the newly established Yemen National Development Strategy.
The choices made during this pivotal time will determine whether Yemen progresses towards peace or regresses into deeper conflict and humanitarian crises. The United Kingdom remains steadfast in its support for the role of the UN Special Envoy and the intra-Yemeni peace process under UN auspices, to help forge the peaceful future that the Yemeni people rightfully deserve.