PRESS RELEASE : UK welcomes efforts, by all parties, to build upon the relative peace we continue to see in Yemen [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 January 2023.

Statement delivered by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on Yemen.

Thank you President.

And let me thank Special Envoy Grundberg and USG Griffiths for your briefings. We are hugely grateful for the work they and their teams continue to do for the Yemeni people.

The UK welcomes efforts, by all parties, to build upon the relative peace we continue to see.

All steps towards a negotiated, Yemeni-led political settlement under UN auspices, are steps towards the longstanding peace that Yemenis deserve.

This is the only way to fully address the humanitarian situation, which remains dire across the country.

While efforts continue to seek a lasting solution to the conflict, we must intensify efforts to improve the immediate humanitarian situation alongside addressing long-term drivers of the humanitarian crisis.

Mr President,

The Houthi block on oil exports has plunged the Government of Yemen into dire economic straits. We urge the international community to take all steps to mitigate this impact and support Yemen’s government at this critical time.

With the launch of the Humanitarian Response Plan at the end of this month, the UK encourages all donors, current or prospective, to stay committed to alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people.

To ensure access to lifesaving assistance, we further call on authorities in the north and south for unfettered access of our partners across the country.

As Martin has outlined, the introduction of mahram requirements in the north, does the very opposite.

We call for an immediate end to these restrictions that curtail Yemeni women’s ability to both deliver and access crucial aid and remain employed.

Finally, I want to reiterate our concern about the delays surrounding the operation to salvage the FSO SAFER tanker to which the UK has dispersed £6 million in funding.

To avoid a wholly preventable crisis, we call on the UN and all parties to continue working together at pace. Urgency needs to be balanced with rigour, but we must identify ways to avoid further delays.

Thank you.