Statement by Political Coordinator of Slovenia to the United Nations Klemen Ponikvar at the UNSC meeting on the situation in the Middle East, Yemen

Thank you Madam President.

We express our appreciation also to Special Envoy Grundberg, USG Fletcher as well as Madam Mansoor Ali for their briefings today. We also welcome the Permanent Representative of Yemen to this meeting, and wish Yemenis and all those who celebrate around the world a blessed Ramadan.

Madam President,

The path to peace in Yemen has never been easy. That remains the case today. The path is paved with challenges, vulnerable to regional dynamics and worsened when parties fail to put the Yemeni people first.

These challenges are mounting.

Soaring needs and a shrinking humanitarian space have left humanitarian workers in fear for their safety, limiting their lifesaving work. Last month this Council unanimously condemned the death in custody of one of WFP workers and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained by the Houthis. Slovenia repeats this call again today.

We also fear that uncertainty around moves to introduce terrorist designations in the Yemeni context, regardless of merit, could have unintended consequences and further compound humanitarian needs. We sincerely hope that this can be avoided.

As illustrated powerfully today by Ms. Mansoor Ali, Yemen is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, ravaged by droughts and flooding. Moreover, it is a clear example of how the effects of climate change and conflict together exacerbate food and water insecurity.

Slovenia, as a founding member of the Global Alliance to Spare Water from Armed Conflicts, calls for the protection and development of water resources and water infrastructure in Yemen. We strongly believe that water issues can actually be an entry point for grassroots dialogue and mutual understanding between parties, as well as empowering women.

Madam President,

We cannot discuss Yemen’s challenges without touching on the economy. We remain deeply concerned by the deteriorating currency and soaring costs. Recent blackouts in Aden and resulting protests demonstrate that Yemenis yearn for a stable economy and a functioning government. We welcomed the deal struck last July on issues relating to the banking sector. We urge the parties to recommit to economic de-escalation and to build upon this agreement. We also stress the importance of unity and coordination within the Presidential Leadership Council.

From a security perspective, Slovenia calls for strict compliance with the UN arms embargo, as well as full freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Persisting hostilities along frontlines continues to threaten the lives, safety and security of civilians: all parties must de-escalate and adhere to international humanitarian law. The fragile calm in the entire region must prevail.

We thank both, Special Envoy Grundberg and USG Fletcher, for important emphasis they made on Yemeni women today. It is worth repeating that when it comes to the challenges facing Yemen, women and girls often endure the most, though they are least responsible for this war. Slovenia reiterates its commitment to the women, peace and security agenda and to the protection and promotion of human rights for all in Yemen. This will only be possible through accountability and with independent and impartial human rights monitoring across the country. This should in turn enable Yemen’s vibrant civil society and private sector to help lay the foundations for a future Yemen.

Madam President,

No, the path to peace in Yemen has never been easy. But yes, we hold on to hope in the Special Envoy’s conviction that a sustainable resolution to this conflict remains possible. By addressing root causes, and through political will and courageous leadership from the parties, peace should be achievable. We reiterate our full support to the whole UN system in this effort. A return to all-out war must be avoided at all costs.

I thank you.

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