Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at UNSC meeting on the situation in the Middle East

Thank you Madam President.

Special Envoy Grundberg and Assistant Secretary-General Msuya thank you very much the briefing. We reiterate our full support for your unwavering efforts. We also welcome the representative of Yemen to the meeting.

Madam President,

As others have acknowledged, last week marked a sobering anniversary: one year since the wave of arbitrary detentions by the Houthis of personnel from the UN, NGOs, civil society and diplomatic missions. A wave of detentions which are not only unjustifiable, but which intensify an already horrifying humanitarian landscape in Yemen. Simply put – needs are high, and now it is even harder to meet them.

One year on, far too many remain in detention. This has been condemned in the strongest terms by the Council, as have the further detentions and tragic death in captivity of a WFP staff member earlier this year. Slovenia calls for a full investigation into his death, and for all detained personnel to be immediately released.

To respond to Yemen’s deepening humanitarian crisis, we welcome the recently convened senior officials meeting in Brussels, where the European Union pledged 80 million euros in funding for 2025. Slovenia has committed additional funding to support the efforts of the ICRC in Yemen.

We urge new and existing donors to step up to address our collective humanitarian responsibility and to maintain life-saving and life-sustaining programming. And we once again commend humanitarians for the commitment to staying and delivering.

We furthermore call for the protection of critical civilian infrastructure in Yemen, and express our deep concern about continued Houthi attacks against Israeli targets as well as the latter’s retaliatory strikes in Sana’a airport and Hodeidah ports – critical lifelines for Yemeni civilians – which could have potentially dire humanitarian consequences and represent a dangerous escalation. We once again urge all parties to exercise the utmost restraint.

Madam President,

In spite of this complex and intolerable environment, time and time again we witness the remarkable resilience of the Yemeni people.

We welcome the recent opening of a key road in Yemen connecting Aden and Sana’a, hopefully bringing some relief to locals and facilitating easier movement of people and goods. This development demonstrates the role of local grassroots engagement, and shows what can be achieved through compromise and dialogue.

It is clear that after ten years of war, the people of Yemen yearn for normality – for functioning infrastructure, for reliable services, for the restoration of livelihoods. In their quest, Yemenis – including Yemeni women – should be afforded every freedom to exercise their legitimate rights. This includes the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. And we urge all authorities to ensure that the rights of Yemenis are upheld.

Madam President,

I will conclude by once again calling for reinvigorated discussions on a nationwide ceasefire and an inclusive UN-led peace process, centred on the needs and aspirations of the Yemeni people.

In particular, we reflect today on the situation of Yemeni children, whose plight was outlined in stark terms in the recently published report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict in Yemen, and by USG Fletcher last month. All parties in Yemen have signed commitments to end and prevent grave violations against children, which is welcome. However, Action Plans and Roadmaps should not remain words on paper, but be fully implemented by the parties. Furthermore, the resumption of an inclusive peace process must include child protection commitments. Ultimately, durable peace is the best way to ensure a brighter future for Yemen and its children.

I thank you.

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