9 July 2025
Mr. President,
First of all, I wish to thank the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Mr. Hans Grundberg, and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Tom Fletcher, as well as the CEO of the NGO Yemen Aid, Ms. Summer Nasser, for their enlightening briefings. I also welcome the presence today of our colleague, the Permanent Representative of Yemen.
Mr. President,
1/ France condemns in the strongest terms the resumption of the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, in which several sailors were killed and others injured. These attacks are another unacceptable impediment to freedom of navigation and a threat to the region as a whole. These attacks must cease without delay, just as the Houthis’ constant attacks on Israel must cease. This Council must condemn them unanimously and unambiguously.
France will continue its engagement within the defensive operation under the European Union security and defense policy ASPIDES, in order to protect maritime security and the freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law and in liaison with our partners.
2/ France once again deplores the unacceptable suffering inflicted upon civilians. We are concerned by the conclusions of the latest report of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) on Yemen, published at the end of June, which refers to the risk of famine. The Houthis must stop impeding the delivery of aid and allow access to the 17 million Yemenis who are suffering from hunger and need urgent humanitarian aid.
It is imperative that this Council calls on all parties to guarantee the protection of civilian infrastructure and populations, in accordance with their obligations under International Humanitarian Law. We must continue to demand the unconditional release of arbitrarily and illegally detained humanitarian workers. Such appeals must also go hand in hand with efforts to allow immediate and secure humanitarian access to those in need, including by restoring supply channels and by supporting aid initiatives.
Mr. President,
3/ Everyone must bear in mind the two dimensions of a situation that has lasted all too long, and whose humanitarian effects and impact on regional stability are devastating in nature.
One is internal, and it risks undermining the country’s unity. The Houthis’ taking of power in Sanaa and the way in which, for years, their desire for power has obstructed all efforts at national reconciliation, fueling the ambitions of groups across the country, starting with Daesh and Al-Qaeda.
The other is international, with the way in which, backed by Iran, the Houthis have decided to throw themselves into the regional battle, against their neighbors, against Israel, against countries whose vessels cross the Red Sea, against humanitarian workers.
The Council must unite to give all those involved in mediation efforts, starting with the UN, and all those engaged in humanitarian support, the support they deserve. The circumstances lend themselves to this.
President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which France welcomed, should allow for a new chapter in Yemen and the region. Confidence must be restored between the parties. The Houthis must return to the negotiating table. Regional powers must facilitate the process, which will take place under the aegis of the Special Envoy and to which France reiterates its full support for that process. The arms embargo must be rigorously enforced.
Only a political solution will put an end to the conflict. This solution must be inclusive, and allow the full participation of Yemeni women and young people in the public life of their country.
Finally, France reaffirms its commitment to the unity and stability of Yemen, and to regional security.
Thank you.