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”
2023/4/17
(As delivered)
Mr. President,
I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Deputy Director Mudawi for their briefings.
This month marks one year since the United Nations-mediated truce. As we see growing momentum, including tangible progress in the form of the recent prisoner exchange, we are encouraged by the increasing communication by the parties to the conflict and the regional countries.
We believe this ongoing engagement can help build confidence and pave the way to a meaningful dialogue towards a lasting peace in Yemen.
At the same time, it is regrettable that we have seen a military escalation by the Houthis which caused a number of casualties. Japan condemns this development. We reiterate that there is no military solution in Yemen, and as the Security Council spoke in a united voice through the Press Statement this month, the parties should engage constructively in efforts to resolve the conflict through peaceful means.
The role of the UN Special Envoy is indispensable in achieving a durable ceasefire and a comprehensive and inclusive political solution to the conflict. In any such solution, ownership by the Yemeni people is crucial.
Mr. President,
While we hear promising updates today, we have to remind ourselves that the humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains. We continue to call for unhindered access for humanitarian assistance operations to aid people in need.
We also want to draw attention to the tragic fact that many Yemenis are falling victim to the scourge of landmines. Anti-personnel landmines are a serious threat to human security. Without solving the problem of landmines, the lives of people in Yemen continues to be threatened.
During last month’s briefing, we were encouraged to hear from the representative of Yemen that the Yemeni Government is implementing the needed structural reforms to strengthen economic institutions. Establishing resilient institutions is vital to achieve long-term economic stability in Yemen, and tackling the issues regarding the central bank and the currency is also in line with this goal.
In closing, Japan believes that this Council must stand united in support of these emerging but fragile gains. This opportunity must not be missed. Japan continues to make diplomatic efforts and provide humanitarian assistance and capacity-building support to realize peace and stability in Yemen.
I thank you, Mr. President.
I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Deputy Director Mudawi for their briefings.
This month marks one year since the United Nations-mediated truce. As we see growing momentum, including tangible progress in the form of the recent prisoner exchange, we are encouraged by the increasing communication by the parties to the conflict and the regional countries.
We believe this ongoing engagement can help build confidence and pave the way to a meaningful dialogue towards a lasting peace in Yemen.
At the same time, it is regrettable that we have seen a military escalation by the Houthis which caused a number of casualties. Japan condemns this development. We reiterate that there is no military solution in Yemen, and as the Security Council spoke in a united voice through the Press Statement this month, the parties should engage constructively in efforts to resolve the conflict through peaceful means.
The role of the UN Special Envoy is indispensable in achieving a durable ceasefire and a comprehensive and inclusive political solution to the conflict. In any such solution, ownership by the Yemeni people is crucial.
Mr. President,
While we hear promising updates today, we have to remind ourselves that the humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains. We continue to call for unhindered access for humanitarian assistance operations to aid people in need.
We also want to draw attention to the tragic fact that many Yemenis are falling victim to the scourge of landmines. Anti-personnel landmines are a serious threat to human security. Without solving the problem of landmines, the lives of people in Yemen continues to be threatened.
During last month’s briefing, we were encouraged to hear from the representative of Yemen that the Yemeni Government is implementing the needed structural reforms to strengthen economic institutions. Establishing resilient institutions is vital to achieve long-term economic stability in Yemen, and tackling the issues regarding the central bank and the currency is also in line with this goal.
In closing, Japan believes that this Council must stand united in support of these emerging but fragile gains. This opportunity must not be missed. Japan continues to make diplomatic efforts and provide humanitarian assistance and capacity-building support to realize peace and stability in Yemen.
I thank you, Mr. President.