Security Council Press Statement on Yemen

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Christina Markus Lassen (Denmark):

The members of the Security Council expressed concern at heightened tensions in Yemen, and underscored the importance of avoiding actions that could undermine efforts to secure peace in Yemen or threaten international peace and security.

The members of the Security Council condemned unauthorized landings of aircraft at Sana'a International Airport on 3 July and Hudaydah Airport on 13 July, without permissions and clearances from the Government of Yemen in violation of international civil aviation rules, and missile attacks launched by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia since 13 July, as well as commercial vessels since 22 July.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Yemen, and stressed the importance of respecting Yemen's sovereignty including over its land and airspace and emphasized that all flights to Yemeni airports must be coordinated with the Government of Yemen, and must receive prior authorization from it. They also underscored the need to ensure safe, secure, and sustainable air access, in coordination with the Government of Yemen, for humanitarian and civilian needs, consistent with international law and applicable international civil aviation rules.

The members of the Security Council underlined the importance of acting in accordance with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly resolution 2216 (2015), which prohibits the supply, sale, or transfer of arms and related materiel, technical assistance, training, financial or other assistance related to military activities to those individuals and entities designated by the 2140 Sanctions Committee including the Houthis.

The members of the Security Council recognized the broader evolving regional context and underscored that these actions threaten regional security and navigational rights and freedoms, risk further escalation, and undermine efforts to secure peace in the region, including in Yemen. They urged the Houthis to refrain from escalation and encouraged the use of existing channels of dialogue to address concerns and reduce tensions.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their support for United Nations Special Envoy Hans Grundberg in his efforts towards a negotiated, inclusive, Yemeni-led, and Yemeni-owned political settlement based on the agreed references and consistent with relevant Security Council resolutions.