Statement by the Brazilian delegation at the UNSC meeting on Middle East (Yemen) - October 13th 2022

Mr. President,

I thank Mr. Grundberg, and Ms. Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, for their informative briefings. I welcome to this meeting the delegations of Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

A lot has changed in Yemen since our previous meeting last month – and not for the better. The truce agreement has unfortunately expired, bringing to an end the most promising opportunity for a long-lasting ceasefire and an enduring political solution to the eight-year-long crisis in the country.

The Yemeni people have suffered for far too long with the consequences of this devastating war, with hundreds of thousands of lives lost and millions of people facing extreme hunger. It is with distress that we have learnt that 19 million people in Yemen are estimated to be suffering from acute food insecurity.

While we are relieved to learn that no major confrontation has taken place so far, it is with concern that we take note of the outbreak of clashes between Houthi troops and pro-government forces, causing multiple victims.

As we have collectively affirmed in a recent Security Council Press Statement on the matter, Brazil deeply regrets this outcome and calls on both sides to resume negotiations in good faith with the utmost urgency.

We urge the representatives of Ansar Allah, in particular, to choose compromise over conflict, cooperation over rivalry, and thus open the way for a new chapter for Yemen, a chapter which will hopefully bring even more tangible results than the ones we have seen over the past six months, in the day-to-day life of all Yemenis, such as the reduction of civilian casualties, the increase in fuel deliveries and the resumption of international flights to and from Sana’a.

An extension of the truce could provide furthermore the opportunity to ultimately reach a Yemeni-led inclusive and comprehensive political settlement under the auspices of the United Nations.

As we face the risk of a no-truce scenario, we must not give in to pessimism or a sense of "business as usual" with regard to another cycle of violence, but rather persevere in pursuit of the ultimate goal of our shared efforts: the welfare of Yemeni men, women, and children.

For this reason, we feel encouraged by the latest news concerning the supertanker FSO Safer. Funding targets have been met, and the crucial operation to salvage the FSO Safer can now begin. We extend our sincere gratitude to all contributors for their selfless generosity.

On this positive note, we wish to reaffirm Brazil’s steadfast commitment to implementing the mandate bestowed upon the UN Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA), under the guidance of General Michael Beary. We also reiterate our unwavering support for the tireless efforts undertaken by Special Envoy Hans Grundberg in engaging with and fostering dialogue among all parties to the conflict.

Brazil remains alert and ready to work alongside this Council to help create the necessary conditions for the future of peace, stability, and development that the Yemeni people so rightly deserve.

I thank you.