October 15, 2024
I will now make a statement in my national capacity.
Like my colleagues, I would like to thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, Acting Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs ad interim Joyce Msuya and the economist Najat Jumaan for their contributions. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen.
While peace has no price, war has a cost. In Yemen, GDP has plummeted by half in ten years of conflict.
The destruction of infrastructure, the brain drain and capital flight, the impact on the movement of people and goods, the division of economic institutions, the establishment of a war economy and economic retaliation measures: as Professor Najat Jumaan pointed out, the repercussions of the conflict on the economy take many forms. And one thing is clear. It is the civilian population that is paying the price.
Today, Yemenis are facing an extremely difficult economic and humanitarian situation. Four out of five Yemenis live in poverty. More than 18 million people need humanitarian aid to meet basic needs such as access to healthcare or food. The prolongation of the conflict in the economic sphere is disrupting the supply and transport of goods, generating an artificial inflationary dynamic. This situation is exacerbating food insecurity, which is already alarming, with 64% of the population having no access to sufficient food. Despite these acute needs, humanitarian actors have to operate in a difficult environment. We remain very concerned about the arbitrary detention of some humanitarian and UN personnel. The initiation of criminal proceedings against them, as mentioned in certain reports, is a worrying development. Switzerland reiterates the UN’s appeal, which has already been heard several times today and consistently in recent months: the humanitarian and UN personnel detained must be released immediately and unconditionally. In addition, safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be guaranteed throughout the country.
As Ms Najat Jumaan rightly pointed out, in this already precarious situation, Yemen cannot afford to be dragged into a regional war. In this respect, we are deeply concerned by the various strikes reported in recent weeks. We condemn this escalation of violence. International law, including international humanitarian law, in particular the principles of proportionality, distinction and precaution, must be respected by all parties. Civilian infrastructures must not be targeted. In this respect, we wish to recall the importance of the port of Hodeïda, which remains the main point of entry for humanitarian aid for a large part of Yemen. We urge all parties to refrain from any escalation. Dialogue is the only option.
We have heard it said: only a political solution will relieve the Yemeni population of the economic and humanitarian impact of the conflict. Switzerland calls on all parties with influence, including within this Council, to commit themselves to a such a solution and for human rights in Yemen. In this respect, Switzerland notes the tireless work of Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and his team. We reiterate our full support for him. We also welcome his efforts to implement the agreement on the economic sector concluded last July, which we call for to be fully respected.
Switzerland welcomes the unity of the Council in favour of a peace process in Yemen under the aegis of the Special Envoy, which has prevailed since the beginning of the conflict. We must continue our unwavering commitment in this direction. After all, nothing is more precious than peace.
Thank you.