Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, at the UNSC meeting on Yemen sanctions regime renewal - February 28th, 2022

Mr. President,

As we consider the draft before us, the conflict in Yemen has reached a critical and tragic juncture. The Houthi offensive against Marib has triggered a deadly military escalation. Last month, this spiral of violence resulted in more than 650 civilian casualties, the highest monthly count in more than three years. The humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with 21 million people in need of assistance. Last December, aid agencies had to reduce food rations for more than 8 million people, due to lack of funding. From March onwards, these rations may be further reduced or cease altogether.

The conflict increasingly stretches beyond Yemeni borders, with a high risk of spiraling out of control. The recent Houthi attacks against civilian targets in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are deplorable, and constitute a reminder of the blatant disregard for human life shown by the Houthis in Yemen and outside of it. Brazil reiterates its strong condemnation of these attacks, and stands in solidarity with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and third countries, such as India, whose nationals have also been among the victims.

Mr. President,

The current humanitarian crisis and regional security threats will only come to an end with a sustainable and inclusive peace. The Yemen sanctions regime - like all measures of this kind - needs to be part of a comprehensive and coherent strategy for achieving peace. It should also be carefully calibrated to avoid detrimental effects on the humanitarian situation. The draft in front of us today includes new text that seeks to support the Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Yemen’s work, and also provisions seeking to safeguard humanitarian and economic activities. These are valuable inclusions, and we commend other Council members for their constructive efforts in this regard.

Brazil believes, however, that there are elements of the text that risk setting back these shared objectives. As we have stated before, applying an overarching counterterrorism framework to the conflict in Yemen could affect the prospects of dialogue and deescalation at a time when they are needed the most, both for the wider resolution of the conflict and for specific issues, such as ongoing negotiations related to the Safer tanker. In the absence of a legal definition of terrorism, this Council should proceed with caution.

The characterization of the Houthis as a terrorist group in a Security Council resolution will have direct and, in many cases, immediate repercussions on many national legal systems, thus affecting the capacity and inclination of exporters, banks, shipping companies and other private actors to interact with the Yemeni economy. While more humanitarian funding is urgently needed, aid alone cannot sustain a population of thirty million, and we should strive to protect the Yemeni economy and its vital links to the world. Similar concerns are raised by the listing of the group as a whole under the Yemen sanctions regime.

Finally, Mr. President, Brazil takes this opportunity to reiterate its support for the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General and calls upon all parties to engage constructively with him and his office.

Thank you.