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

Thank you, Madam President.

I thank Special Envoy Grundberg, OCHA Assistant Secretary General Musuya, and Resident Coordinator for Yemen Gressly for their briefings.

First of all, Japan welcomes the extension of the UNMHA mandate adopted by consensus today. The Mission’s continued presence in Hudaydah and its role in supporting the parties in implementing the Hudaydah Agreement remain essential. The Security Council should continuously support UNMHA’s activities.

The Security Council has been committed to supporting the progress of a sustainable, UN-led peace process in Yemen. The parties to the conflict should understand that there is no military solution. Japan reiterates its full support for the Special Envoy’s efforts to facilitate the process to realize inclusive Yemeni-Yemeni political talks under the auspices of the United Nations.

As highlighted in the Secretary-General’s report on Children and Armed Conflict, Yemen recorded one of the highest numbers of grave violations against children over the past year. We are distressed to learn that children in Yemen are still being recruited as soldiers, as well as targeted for arbitrary detention. They also suffer from the danger of landmines and Explosive Remnants of War. No child should live in fear of attacks, nor should they be compelled to fight on the front lines of armed conflicts.

Japan has repeatedly emphasized the importance of economic stability in Yemen and has provided assistance for that purpose. In this regard, we are concerned that the Houthis are imposing measures intended to undermine the economic capacity of the Yemeni Government, which will eventually damage the livelihoods of the people. A stronger economy, essential public services, and an active private sector free from interference and intimidation are key elements for the stability of a nation. Japan calls on the Houthis to stop any actions that will further damage the economy of Yemen, and to engage with the UN.

Regarding the FSO Safer, Japan welcomes the recent rapid progress of the Safer Salvage Operations Project.. We praise the tireless efforts of Mr. Gressly and relevant UN organizations, as well as private sector partners carrying out this unprecedented maritime operation. Japan has contributed USD 1 million to the project to support emergency preparedness for and response to oil pollution. We express our appreciation to UNDP and oil spill experts for utilizing the fund to support the mobilization of the local population for simulation exercises, provide equipment for shoreline response activity, and conduct demining operations to provide safe access for shoreline clean-up.

Japan continues to engage with UN agencies to collectively find solutions to fill the financial gap in order to prevent an environmental, humanitarian, and global economic crisis, which is a shared responsibility of the international community.

I thank you, Madam President.