May 14, 2025
I thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Hans Grundberg, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Tom Fletcher, and Ms. Dina Al Mamon, CIVIC’s Director for Yemen, who presented to us the reality of the situation. I also welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Yemen in the meeting.
Mr. President,
1/ France strongly condemns the recent attacks by the Houthis against Israel. They are unacceptable and threaten regional security. The Houthis, supported by Iran, must cease their destabilizing actions in Yemen, the Red Sea and the Middle East. This Council must be able to condemn them with a single, unambiguous voice. Nothing justifies the Houthi’s external and internal methods.
France welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached between the United States and the Houthis thanks to the mediation efforts of Oman.
We will continue our commitment within the framework of the European Union’s defensive security and defense policy operation ASPIDES to protect maritime security and freedom of navigation, in compliance with international law and in liaison with our partners.
2/ The Houthis must cease their unacceptable obstruction of humanitarian action. We express our deep concern about the humanitarian situation in Yemen, in which the most vulnerable, especially women and children, are the first victims. In this respect, I refer to the statement made by our Women, Peace and Security group this morning. The Houthis must guarantee safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all areas and populations under their control. In particular, France calls on the Houthis to allow the resumption of UN activities in the governorate of Saada, which have been interrupted for three months now.
France reiterates its condemnation of the arbitrary detention by the Houthis of dozens of local and international UN and humanitarian personnel, members of Yemeni civil society and diplomatic missions. It takes note of the recent releases and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all those still being held illegally. This Council must continue to demand that the Houthis allow humanitarian workers to carry out their work in complete safety.
Mr. President,
3/ This situation must not make us lose sight that only an inclusive political solution will put an end to the conflict. France reiterates its support for the legitimate government of Yemen, which must continue its efforts to meet the expectations of the Yemeni population as a whole. It expresses its full support for the Special Envoy’s efforts to reach a genuine ceasefire agreement in Yemen, which will pave the way for a negotiated and inclusive political solution for a unifed and sovereign Yemen.
We reaffirm our commitment to the stability of Yemen and regional security. We reiterate the need to avoid any further escalation in the region, and call on Iran to cease its support for destabilizing actions in the Middle East.
Thank you.