イエメン情勢に関する安保理ブリーフィングにおける山﨑大使ステートメント

 
Thank you, Madam President.
 
Let me begin by expressing our appreciation to Special Envoy Mr. Grundberg and OCHA Director Ms. Wosornu for their informative briefings.    
 
My appreciation also goes to the Secretariat and the International Maritime Organization for their preparation of the report in accordance with Resolution 2722.
 
Today, I would like to focus on three issues: the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea; the peace process; and the humanitarian situation in Yemen.
 
Madam President,
 
We have been witnessing an extraordinary number of reports of the Houthis launching or attempting to launch missiles, drones and other advanced weapons toward vessels in the Red Sea and its vicinity.
 
The Houthis’ continued threats to maritime security and navigational rights have led to a sharp decrease in trade via the Suez Canal, as the Secretary-General recently informed the General Assembly.    
 
Now, many commercial ships are forced to take the more costly, energy-intensive, and time-consuming route around South Africa for their travel between Asia and Europe.    
 
Businesses around the world, including my country, have already experienced a negative real-life impact due to this disruption of global supply chains.
 
I have voiced grave concern about this problem several times in this Chamber, and the Security Council has unequivocally pronounced the same in Resolution 2722, but Japan once again condemns the Houthis’ attacks and demands their immediate cessation.    
 
Likewise, we condemn the “seizure” of the Japanese-operated Galaxy Leader, and demand the immediate release of the vessel and its 25 crew members, which the Houthis have been illegally holding for nearly three months.   
 
Madam President,
 
Moving to Yemen’s peace process, Japan commends the mediation efforts of the Special Envoy, as well as the critical role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, despite the current very difficult circumstances.
 
Japan believes that political stability is essential for Yemen, as it will not only enhance the country’s national security, but will also lay the foundation for improving the economic and humanitarian situation.
 
We will continue to support the work of the Special Envoy and trust that the UN Roadmap he and his team are preparing will bring lasting peace in Yemen.
 
Madam President,
 
The people of Yemen have been suffering from a devastating humanitarian situation over nine years of conflict.
 
Japan is seriously concerned that delays as well as increased costs of imports due to the growing security risk in the Red Sea will only worsen their plight.
 
Japan is also deeply concerned about the severe malnutrition and food shortages seen across the country.
 
We sincerely hope that WFP can resume its vital operations as soon as possible.
 
Given the current significant shortfall in humanitarian funding, Japan has recently decided to make an additional contribution of more than 18 million US dollars to Yemen in our most recent supplementary budget.
 
This includes contribution of approximately 2 million US Dollars to WFP, to increase their ability to provide emergency food assistance to the most vulnerable people in Yemen.
 
Japan remains committed to improving the humanitarian situation in Yemen.
 
I thank you, Madam President.