September 12, 2024
First and foremost, I would like to thank Hans Grundberg, Joyce Msuya and Linda Al Obahi for their briefings on the situation in Yemen. I would also like to welcome the presence among us of the Permanent Representative of Yemen.
Mr. President,
The Houthis must immediately cease their destabilizing activities in the Red Sea. These attacks undermine freedom of navigation, they negatively affect our security interests and they fuel the regional escalation for which the Houthis bear a heavy responsibility, despite the resolutions adopted by the Security Council.
The Security Council has however clearly condemned these attacks, notably by adopting resolutions 2722 and 2739. States have the right to defend their vessels against such attacks, in accordance with international law. We therefore call upon the Houthis to put an end to these attacks and immediately release the Galaxy Leader and its crew, who have been held since November 2023. France strongly condemns the Houthi attack against the Sounion oil tanker and its crew, an attack that risks causing an environmental disaster. We also call upon Iran to cease its support for destabilizing actions in the region.
Mr. President,
France reiterates its commitment to regional stability and the security of its partners in the region. We will maintain our commitment within the framework of the European Union’s ASPIDES common security and defence policy to protect maritime security and freedom of navigation, in accordance with the international law and alongside our partners.
Secondly, the Houthis must respect international humanitarian law and guarantee safe and unimpeded humanitarian access. The restrictions imposed by the Houthis on humanitarian operations, the detentions of humanitarian personnel and the disinformation have only worsen the situation, at a time when civilian populations depend on humanitarian aid provided by the United Nations and its partners. France condemns the arbitrary detentions of United Nations personnel and local and international NGOs. We demand their immediate release. These disgraceful detentions, are against international humanitarian law, are obstructing the delivery of assistance and the emergency response, specifically in the light of the cholera epidemic. The Houthis must cease taking Yemeni civilians hostage. Yemenis are the first victims of the restrictions the Houthis impose on humanitarian operations.
An urgent humanitarian response is necessary in the light of the worsening food situation and the floods that have affected the country, resulting in the displacement of more than 200,000 people.
Mr. President,
At the security level, we must achieve a comprehensive and sustainable cessation of hostilities, to avoid any resumption of the conflict on the ground.
The Houthis must return to the negotiation table conducted by the Special Envoy, whose action is essential. In this respect, France reiterates its full support for Hans Grundberg, particularly in the implementation of his political roadmap. We support the principle that the effective participation of Yemeni women in the negotiations must be guaranteed.
Thank you.