This resolution demonstrates this Council’s determination to take decisive action against reckless attacks by the Houthis in Yemen: UK Explanation of Vote at the UN Security Council
Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, following the UN Security Council vote on the Yemen sanctions regime.
Today’s adoption by consensus demonstrates this Council’s determination to take decisive action against reckless attacks by the Houthis in Yemen and against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the broader region.
I would like to thank Council members for their constructive engagement.
This resolution strengthens the implementation of arms embargo measures, ensuring that the Yemen sanctions regime keeps pace with the evolving threat from the Houthis.
This includes the Houthis’ reliance on dual-use components and precursor chemicals to underpin their local weapons manufacturing capabilities.
And their ability to launch destabilising attacks across the region.
We welcome the Council’s decision today to tackle this issue.
We stand in solidarity with the Government of Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the face of these attacks, and we reaffirm their right to defend their security and sovereignty in accordance with international law.
We look forward to working with Council members in the coming months to agree a list of dual-use items to be subject to measures within the sanctions regime.
Madame President, sanctions are not an end in themselves.
They are a tool to constrain those who threaten Yemen’s peace and security and to support the conditions for a durable, inclusive, and lasting peace.
The severe humanitarian consequences of the Houthis’ decision to resume the conflict makes this even more important.
Today in Yemen, over 22.3 million people need humanitarian assistance and protection. More than 330,000 people have been displaced by recent fighting.
The United Kingdom condemns the Houthis’ continued detention of United Nations, humanitarian, civil society, and diplomatic personnel.
We reiterate our call for their immediate and unconditional release.
We will continue working with this Council and regional partners towards lasting peace for Yemenis and the wider region.