United Nations 9th July 2025(Kamran Raja): We thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher for their comprehensive briefings. We also express our appreciation to Ms. Summer Nasser for her remarks on the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen.
2. Pakistan remains deeply concerned over the protracted crisis in Yemen. Years of conflict have inflicted immense suffering on the Yemeni people. Political fragmentation, economic collapse, and environmental degradation have further exacerbated their plight. What began as an internal crisis has since assumed broader regional dimensions, with serious implications for international peace and security. As the special envoy said the situation is fragile, volatile and unpredictable and we agree with the key point that there his key point that there is no mandatary solution to this conflict negotiations provide the best way format.
3. The situation requires urgent, collective and constructive action. The risk of renewed hostilities could jeopardize the ongoing fragile peace efforts and further aggravate civilian suffering. It is imperative to reinvigorate inclusive political negotiations and implement coordinated measures to address the interconnected political, humanitarian, and socio-economic challenges facing Yemen.
4. In this regard, I would like to highlight four points:
First, we call on all parties to build upon the December 2023 Roadmap, which provides a credible basis for a sustainable political solution. The continued engagement of regional actors, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman is commendable. It has been instrumental in keeping the hope for peace alive, as Mr. Grundberg also notes time was not on our side. A prolonged political stalemate can affect the gains made. All stakeholders must intensify efforts to break the political impasse and move decisively toward a Yemeni-owned and Yemeni-led political process, under the auspices of the United Nations. We also appreciate and support the efforts of the Special Envoy including the recent engagements with the Yemeni Prime Minister, and information with members of civil society and women leaders of political parties.
Second, the volatile regional environment risks further destabilizing Yemen and the broader Middle East. We are deeply concerned on the recent escalation and attacks, including on ship and civilians infrastructure. Pakistan underscores the urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy to preserve regional peace and stability. It goes with saying that durable peace in the Middle East requires an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urgent, credible steps to realize Palestinians statehood in accordance with international legitimacy.
Third, the humanitarian situation in Yemen remains dire. Over 18 million Yemenis, including children and women, require urgent life-saving assistance. The risk of famine continues to haunt with millions facing acute food insecurity. We urge the international community to respond generously to OCHA’s humanitarian appeal, reiterated by Mr. Fletcher also noted by Ms. Naseer. ensure predictable and sustained funding, and support the scaling-up of humanitarian operations.
Fourth, we join other members in strongly condemning the continued arbitrary detention of UN personnel, humanitarian workers, and diplomatic staff by the Houthi authorities. These detentions, some ongoing since 2021, constitute a clear violation of international law and represent a serious impediment to the delivery of humanitarian assistance. We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN diplomatic and humanitarian personnel, and for full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Yemen.
5. Let me conclude by emphasizing that only a comprehensive approach, anchored in inclusive political dialogue and urgent humanitarian action can pave the way for lasting peace and stability in Yemen. The Council must send a united and unequivocal message: the people of Yemen deserve peace, dignity, and a future free from fear, hunger, and despair. Pakistan remains steadfast in its support for peace, stability, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Yemen – and in the pursuit of those objectives, will support all efforts aimed at achieving a just, inclusive and durable resolution of the conflict.