15 August 2024, United Nations, New York – The United Kingdom has issued a strong condemnation of the Houthi rebels’ ongoing attacks across the Middle East, labeling them as reckless and escalatory. In a statement delivered by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen, the UK emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the region.
“The situation in Yemen is desperate, with devastating flooding coming on top of an already dire humanitarian crisis,” Ambassador Kariuki stated, extending condolences to those affected by the recent floods. He highlighted the looming threat of regional escalation, warning that it could further undermine security and stability. “We urge all parties to deescalate to avoid deepening the humanitarian crisis,” he added.
Ambassador Kariuki expressed the UK’s specific concern over the Houthi attacks in collaboration with other Iranian-linked groups, particularly their assaults in the Red Sea, which threaten international shipping. “The United Kingdom condemns the Houthis’ reckless and escalatory attacks across the region,” he declared.
He also raised alarm over recent reports indicating Houthi connections to Al Shabaab, denouncing these actions as part of a broader pattern of destabilizing activities. “We firmly condemn these actions as part of a wider pattern of Houthi destabilising activity beyond Yemen’s borders,” Kariuki said, urging relevant UN sanctions committees to coordinate closely in monitoring and countering this dangerous trend.
Furthermore, the Ambassador condemned the Houthis’ recent closure of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Sana’a, following the detention of UN, NGO, and former diplomatic mission staff in June. He described these actions as “yet another blatant aggression” that would severely hinder the delivery of essential aid. “These acts demonstrate, once again, the willingness of Houthi leaders to inflict harm and suffering on the Yemeni people to advance their own ambitions,” Kariuki remarked.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Kariuki called on the Houthis to guarantee a safe operational environment for humanitarian organizations, urging them to immediately release detainees and return seized assets. He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to achieving peace in Yemen, stressing that further escalation would only hinder progress towards this goal. “The Yemeni people deserve peace, and further escalation will only move us further away from achieving this,” he emphasized.
The UK’s statement concluded with a call for unity within the UN Security Council to support the efforts of the Special Envoy in securing an inclusive and sustainable peace in Yemen.
By Gabriel Ani
