Severe storms have hit Yemen hard in recent weeks. The storm not only displaced thousands of people, but also destroyed important infrastructure. These extreme weather events, which are further exacerbated by climate change, are significantly worsening the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Food and water supplies are particularly affected, further aggravating the already precarious humanitarian situation of the population.
At a meeting of the UN Security Council, Switzerland emphasised areas for action to support the Yemeni people in this difficult situation. In New York, it called on all parties to the conflict to refrain from actions that could further damage the environment. This applies in particular to attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea in order to prevent an impending environmental catastrophe.
In addition, humanitarian aid must have access to all regions of the country. It must not be politically instrumentalised. The population has a right to an unhindered supply of vital relief supplies. Humanitarian personnel must be protected, as required by international humanitarian law. Switzerland supports the United Nations' call for the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained UN staff and humanitarian aid workers.
Switzerland emphasised that in the long term, a political solution to the conflict is the only way to meet the needs of the Yemeni people in a sustainable manner and to strengthen their resilience to crises. Switzerland calls on all parties to the conflict to maintain the progress made in the peace talks and to continue them under the auspices of the United Nations. Every measure to restore trust between the parties to the conflict must be encouraged.
In conclusion, Switzerland emphasised that stepping up international efforts is crucial to stabilising the situation in Yemen.
