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

Thank you Madam President.

We are grateful to Special Envoy Grundberg and Under-Secretary-General Fletcher for their briefings as well as Mr. Al-Omeisy for his deeply personal testimony. We welcome the Ambassador of Yemen to the chamber.

As this is USG Fletcher’s first briefing to the Council, I take this opportunity to wish him every success. OCHA’s work is indispensable and you can rest assured of Slovenia’s support.

Madam President, colleagues,

Indeed, it has been a turbulent year for the people of Yemen. A year marked by worsening food insecurity, economic turmoil, devastating flooding, and the spread of disease. For many children, a year in which they did not attend school. For many women and girls, a year in which they suffered from sexual and gender-based violence.

This was also a year marked by ever-deteriorating conditions for humanitarian workers on the ground. We acknowledge the recent release of one UN and two NGO staff following the unjustifiable wave of detentions by the Houthis six months ago. While this is a relief, it is simply not enough. We once again call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained humanitarian personnel and implementation of Resolution 2730.

We commend OCHA and the broader humanitarian community for staying and delivering life-saving and life-sustaining services across the country. We note the prioritisation exercise which is being undertaken by OCHA. It is regrettable that it has to happen but we understand why: humanitarian personnel must be protected. We call for joint, principled humanitarian action in Yemen, and sustained funding to the response plan as we head towards a new year.

Madam President,

Last December the Yemeni parties took the significant step of committing to a set of measures to implement a nationwide ceasefire and work on a UN roadmap. Since then however, they have not taken the necessary leap to build on these commitments and deliver a lasting peace. The devastating situation in Gaza, where a ceasefire is desperately needed, has undoubtedly hampered efforts. And Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and against Israel have compounded an already dire situation. We continue to call for their immediate cessation.

We stress once again that there can be no military solution to this conflict. A return to war in Yemen is unimaginable. Diplomacy must prevail, dialogue must prevail. That is why we fully support the work of the Special Envoy to preserve the space for mediation.

Yesterday marked international Human Rights Day, a time to reflect on the human rights situation across the world. Unfortunately, in Yemen this remains a matter of serious concern. We emphasise the need for independent and impartial human rights monitoring and documentation of serious abuses and violations in Yemen. And we stress that accountability and transitional justice should be fully integrated into any future peace process. We recall the crucial role of women in promoting peace and security and welcome the convening earlier this month of the 7^th Feminist Summit in Aden.

Madam President,

At a time of monumental change in the region, we hold on to the conviction that an inclusive peace in Yemen is possible. Slovenia once again calls on all parties to this conflict to put the Yemeni people first, allowing them to finally rebuild their lives in 2025.

I thank you.

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