UNSC Open meeting on Yemen

(March 15, 2022; 1000 hrs EDT)

Thank you, Mr. President. I thank UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Under-Secretary General Martin Griffiths for their briefings.

Mr. President,

2. It is unfortunate that the calls of this Council and the international community for a nationwide ceasefire and urgent de-escalation of tensions by all parties to the conflict, are yet to be implemented. Military operations continue, undermining the peace and security of not just Yemen, but the entire region. We strongly condemn the cross-border terror attacks using missiles and drones into the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia that have resulted in the death and injury of innocent civilians, including Indian nationals.

3. Reports about possible use of Hudaydah’s Red Sea ports for staging maritime attacks are deeply worrying. Freedom of movement of the UNMHA (UN Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement) personnel must be ensured to facilitate constant monitoring and reporting of any misuse of Hudaydah’s ports, which remain the primary gateway for Yemen’s humanitarian aid and commercial imports.

4. As outlined in UNSCR 2624 adopted last month, we demand the urgent release of the crew members of the vessel, Rwabee, whose onboard crew also includes 7 Indian nationals. They continue to be detained unlawfully. Regular access to them and updates on their condition must be ensured by Ansarallah, till they are released.

5. We welcome the signing of the MoU on FSO Safer. Swift action is now required to ensure the operationalization of the MoU to avert a potential environmental, maritime and humanitarian catastrophe.

Mr. President,

6. We call upon all parties involved in Yemen to move from the battlefield to the negotiating table. In line with Council’s recent Resolution 2624, we emphasize on the need for sustained and focused diplomacy to bring political discussions back on track. In this regard, we note the commencement of wide-ranging inclusive consultations being carried out by Special Envoy Hans to finalize a comprehensive framework for a peace process. Such a framework should consider and address the legitimate aspirations of all Yemenis. We call upon all the parties to engage with the Special Envoy in these consultations without any preconditions.

7. In this context, the resumption of consultations between Saudi Arabia and Southern Transition Council is a notable development in the right direction. Sustained dialogue between the Government of Yemen and the Southern Transitional Council is also essential for resolving the issues related to the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement.

8. We note that the multi-track approach of these consultations includes an economic track. We have repeatedly underscored the need to address the disruption in key segments of Yemen’s economy and its fragmentation. A sustainable solution to the unfolding humanitarian crisis lies in concrete economic measures that benefit the people of Yemen. Progress on the economic track can also build confidence among parties and feed into the political and security tracks. I request the Special Envoy to give due attention to this aspect in his consultations with the Yemeni parties.

9. Pending an economic recovery, the humanitarian aid operations are the only lifeline for millions of Yemenis. These aid operations are now at risk due to severe funding shortfalls. Yemeni women and children are bearing the brunt of the closure or scaling down of major UN aid programs. We hope that tomorrow’s high-level pledging conference would result in garnering enhanced support for the 2022 UN Humanitarian Response Plan for Yemen.

10. India has centuries-old relations with Yemen, and our people-to-people ties remain strong.We have extended humanitarian help to Yemen in the past and we remain committed to do so today. And our doors have remained open for the people of Yemen even during the tough times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of Yemenis take medical treatment in our hospitals every year, and thousands of Yemeni students continue to pursue their studies in India. Last year alone, we issued more than 6000 medical visas and more than 400 student visas to the people of Yemen.

Mr. President,

11. Let me conclude by reiterating India’s call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire across Yemen. This must be followed by a robust and inclusive political process that fully respects Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. We believe that with effective intervention byregional and international actors on the Yemeni parties, a lasting and inclusive political settlement in Yemen is achievable.

I thank you.

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