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

Thank you, Madam President.
 
I thank the three briefers -- Special Envoy Grundberg, USG Fletcher, and Mr. Al-Omeisy -- for their respective briefings.
 
In particular, I wish Mr. Fletcher all the best and great success for his new appointment as the USG for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. Your role is important especially at this time of humanitarian crises around the world.
 
This includes Yemen, where the population is suffering from persistent food insecurity, epidemics and natural disasters.
 
Yet there is an alarming shortage of humanitarian funding for Yemen. The international community should scale up assistance to save vulnerable Yemenis. Japan will continue to play its part in the field of humanitarian and emergency assistance throughout the country.
 
The Houthis must secure a safe and unhindered operating space for aid workers, who are there to help the Yemeni people.

In this regard, while we take note of the recent release of one UN staff member and two NGO personnel, the Houthis must immediately release all of the more than 50 others who have been detained for six months, in addition to four UN personnel detained since 2021 and 2023. Japan reiterates its rejection of any false accusations or so-called “criminal prosecution” against any of them.
 
Madam President,
 
Freedom of navigation is a cornerstone of global maritime transportation. The Houthis must immediately cease their reckless attacks against vessels, and release the Galaxy Leader and its 25 crew members, who have now been held captive for more than a year. These are a consistent demand of the Security Council as contained in the resolutions 2722 and 2739 as well as the press statement issued last month.
 
Japan also condemns other Houthis threats to international peace and security, including the recent drone attacks on Israel. This must stop.
 
Madam President,
 
Today is probably the last briefing on Yemen during Japan’s current term as a non-permanent member of this Council.
 
Looking back on the past two years, this file had a bright moment in 2023 when the country seemed headed toward peace.
 
But, unfortunately, now is a dark moment when the peace process is protracted amid continued destabilizing actions by the Houthis and regional instability.

As the Special Envoy said, Yemen cannot wait forever for a peace roadmap. The citizens of Yemen have desired security, stability and prosperity for over a decade. Japan calls upon the parties to prioritize the well-being of the Yemeni people and restore the momentum for peace talks.
 
Even at this challenging time, we are encouraged to hear the powerful words of Mr. Grundberg: “peace in Yemen is possible.”
 
Japan trusts him and sincerely hopes that his tireless efforts will yield tangible progress toward a lasting and inclusive peace in Yemen.
 
I thank you, Madam President.