Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Briefing on the Situation in Yemen

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August 15, 2024

Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Director Doughten for their informative briefings.

Yemen’s trajectory is deeply worrying amid the continued turmoil both within and outside the country.

While the whole region is in a fragile situation, we should continue monitoring the situation in Yemen closely.

Today, I wish to highlight four points.

First, Japan strongly condemns the destabilizing actions by the Houthis, including their attacks against Israel, and against commercial shipping in and around the Red Sea.

The Houthis must cease their threats to peace and security in the region and beyond.

Japan urges regional countries to exercise their influence to the Houthis and call for their restraint.

We reiterate our demand that the Houthis release the 25 crew members of the Galaxy Leader, who have been held for nearly 9 months, without any further delay.

Second, Japan is appalled by the storming of the OHCHR’s office in Sana’a by the Houthis.

This is yet another disrespectful act by the Houthis against the United Nations, following the arbitrary detention of UN staff two months ago.

The Houthis must immediately leave OHCHR’s premises and return all assets and belongings, and unconditionally release all detained UN, NGO and diplomatic mission personnel.

We also demand that the Houthis never again conduct any such detentions or jeopardize the critical activities of the UN and other human rights and humanitarian workers, who are there to serve the needs of the Yemeni people.

Third, Japan is seriously concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, where people are suffering from food insecurity, diseases and natural disasters like the recent flooding and heavy rains.

After nine years of conflict, the need for basic social services, such as health care, especially for women and girls, remains immense.

With that in mind, Japan has recently contributed USD 2.4 million to UNFPA to strengthen lifesaving reproductive health and protection services.

We will continue to provide necessary humanitarian assistance to alleviate the plight of Yemenis.

Last but not least, Japan is deeply concerned about the stagnated peace process and growing insecurity in Yemen.

We take positively the parties’ agreement on several de-escalatory measures in the banking and aviation sectors last month, although many more critical problems remain.

Only a comprehensive and sustainable national dialogue under UN auspices will bring political and economic stability and meet the legitimate aspirations of the Yemeni people who hope for peace and prosperity.

Japan continues to support the critical mediation work of the Special Envoy toward this end.

I thank you.

 

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