Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, on Yemen - July 10th, 2023

Madam President,

I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to today’s briefers for their detailed and instructive remarks on the situation in Yemen. Their dedication, expertise and first-hand knowledge are invaluable and will guide our work to contribute to alleviating Yemen’s immense challenges.

I congratulate the United Kingdom, the Council’s penholder on Yemen, for its guidance and leadership in renewing the mandate of United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) for another year. I welcome the delegations of Yemen and the Netherlands to this meeting.

As a steadfast supporter of the Mission’s activities, including by contributing with military observers on the ground, Brazil regards UNMHA as instrumental in preventing further escalation in the Al-Hudaydah governorate and beyond. The economic and humanitarian importance of Al-Hudaydah’s ports for the entire country cannot be overstated, as they remain a lifeline for millions.

The continued impact of landmines on the civilian population in Al-Hudaydah is cause for concern. As highlighted in the Secretary-General’s latest review of UNMHA (S/2023/432), the stabilization of the military situation has led to increased civilian access to former front-line areas, where remnants of war pose a high risk of serious injuries or even death. It is urgent to strengthen mine action capabilities and increase related projects. The cooperation of all parties is indispensable to ensuring the safety and well-being of the local communities.

Turning our attention to the FSO SAFER oil tanker, Brazil acknowledges the recent developments in the operation to avoid a potentially catastrophic situation in the Red Sea. We recognize the complexities involved and remain hopeful that pending matters will soon be resolved, allowing for the timely commencement of the oil transfer. We express our gratitude to United Nations Development Programme, as well as to all partners and donors, for their relentless dedication in pushing this critical operation forward amid challenging circumstances.

Brazil reaffirms its support for the tireless efforts made by Special Envoy Hans Grundberg. We take note of his extensive travels and meetings with different stakeholders within the region in pursuit of a political solution to the conflict in Yemen. His work, supported by the international community, is central to the peace process.

We also welcome the recent increase in commercial flights between Sana’a and Amman, as well we the first flight from Sana’a to Saudi Arabia since 2016. These developments are not only milestones for regional connectivity, but also positive indicators of improvement in the regional political environment.

Despite those positive strides, the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen remains a source of concern. We are troubled by ongoing access and funding challenges that impede the efficient delivery of aid. The funding shortfall in the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM) also raises significant concerns, as it poses risks to UNVIM’s important work in facilitating the flow of much-needed commercial cargo to Yemeni ports.

On the economic front, we underline the necessity of measures that bolster the Yemeni economy. They include the resumption of oil exports, the removal of obstacles to the overland transit of commercial goods and the improved provision of electricity, all of which are pivotal to Yemen’s path towards development.

Madam President,

In conclusion, Brazil remains committed to continuing its work within the Security Council and elsewhere on this file. Our enduring belief is that, through diplomacy and the promotion of dialogue and mutual understanding, we can help the people of Yemen build the future of peace, stability and development that they deserve.

And I thank you.