Denmark Highlights Dire Humanitarian Situation in Yemen, Calls for Regional Stability

Copenhagen’s representative at the United Nations Security Council, Sandra Jensen Landi, has underscored the severe humanitarian crisis gripping Yemen, urging international efforts to prevent the nation from being further engulfed in broader regional conflicts.

Escalating Tensions and Humanitarian Imperatives

During a recent Middle East briefing on Yemen, the Danish envoy highlighted the profound suffering of the Yemeni people, who continue to face a vast humanitarian emergency. Landi emphasized the critical need for de-escalation across the region to safeguard Yemen from additional instability.

While acknowledging the complex regional dynamics, Denmark stressed the importance of ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation. This is deemed essential for the unimpeded flow of trade and vital humanitarian goods, critical for a population already on the brink.

The statement called for an immediate cessation of military actions by all parties, emphasizing that de-escalation is paramount to avert further regional spillover and protect civilian lives.

Alarming Humanitarian Needs and Calls for Aid

The humanitarian outlook for Yemen remains grim. Projections indicate that over 22 million people, including 11 million women and girls, will require humanitarian assistance and protection services in 2026. The situation is exacerbated by a alarming deterioration in food security, with more than 18 million people facing acute food insecurity and millions of children suffering from malnutrition.

Denmark urged Member States to provide robust support for Yemen’s Humanitarian Response Plan. Such backing is crucial for enabling timely and life-saving interventions for the distressed population. Furthermore, the statement reiterated the necessity of ensuring rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Addressing Concerns and Seeking Political Resolution

Concerns were also raised regarding the detention of 73 UN staff members, alongside individuals from civil society and diplomatic missions. Denmark reiterated its call for their immediate and unconditional release, stressing the importance of upholding international norms.

Ultimately, the path to sustainable peace in Yemen lies in an inclusive, Yemeni-led, and Yemeni-owned political solution, facilitated under the auspices of the United Nations. Such a negotiated settlement is seen as the only viable way to bring a lasting end to the protracted conflict. Hope was expressed for continued progress on the exchange of conflict-related prisoners, a measure that could significantly contribute to much-needed trust-building among the warring parties.

Transition of UN Mission

The Danish representative also noted the closure of the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) on March 31, in line with resolution 2813. Its residual tasks have been transferred to the Office of the Special Envoy. Denmark extended gratitude to all UN colleagues who served in UNMHA and reaffirmed the UN’s vital role in supporting the implementation of the Hudaydah Agreement for lasting stability in Hudaydah and across Yemen.