October 15, 2024
Thank you, Madam President.
I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and ASG Msuya for their informative briefings.
My appreciation also goes to Dr. Jumaan on her sobering testimony.
Yemen is at the brink.
The country has been bearing hostilities, fragmentation, and a humanitarian crisis for a decade.
And now it faces an increasing risk of being dragged into a wider regional conflict.
We must halt the downward spiral as soon as possible.
I wish to highlight three points for today’s briefing.
First, Japan strongly condemns the series of irresponsible conducts by the Houthis.
The Houthis reckless attacks toward Israel only aggravate the already dangerous situation in the Middle East.
This must stop immediately.
The Houthis must also cease their continued threats to international shipping, and release the vessel and the crew members of the Galaxy Leader, in accordance with Security Council resolutions 2722 and 2739.
Since last year, global maritime transportation has been significantly disrupted.
And, the 25 innocent sailors have been held captive for nearly 330 days.
This is totally unacceptable.
The arbitrary detention of UN staff members and others for more than 4 months and judicial accusations is outrageous.
These individuals were serving for the benefit of Yemenis.
Detaining them only impedes critical humanitarian assistance and human rights protection activities and worsens the dire situation in the country.
Japan reiterates its demand for their immediate and unconditional release, as well as the release of those held in captivity for years.
We also reject any criminal prosecutions against them.
Second, Japan deeply regrets that the peace process has stalled amid regional escalation.
This has led to growing insecurity and instability in Yemen.
It is our firm belief that only a sustainable and inclusive dialogue among all Yemenis, not violence or hatred, will pave the way for lasting peace in the country.
We are encouraged to hear from Special Envoy that peace in Yemen is achievable. Japan continues to support his efforts to restore momentum and facilitate peace talks between the parties.
Third, Japan remains seriously concerned about persisting food insecurity, diseases, and natural disasters in Yemen.
The international community must scale up assistance to save over 18 million people suffering from the multifaceted humanitarian crisis.
Their livelihoods heavily depend upon imports.
To this end, last month, Japan committed to grant nearly 5 million USD to UNDP, for a project to streamline the import of food, humanitarian aid and other goods at the Port of Aden, an essential maritime facility in Yemen.
Japan remains steadfast in working to realize peace and stability in Yemen, in cooperation with the United Nations and fellow countries.
I thank you, Madam President.