Barran Press
France has urged the Houthi group, internationally designated as a terrorist organization, to "stop committing atrocities against the population in areas under their control, who are being economically suffocated and threatened daily."
This call was made during a statement delivered by Clarisse Paulini, France's Deputy Political Coordinator at the United Nations, at a UN Security Council session on Thursday, August 15, 2024. The statement, translated from French to Arabic by "Barran Press," was released by the French Mission to the UN.
The statement held the Houthis responsible for the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the suffering of the Yemeni people, citing numerous obstacles they impose on humanitarian operations.
France condemned the attack on the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights by the Houthis, as well as the arbitrary arrests of its staff, along with local and international NGOs.
These arrests were deemed "contrary to international humanitarian law," prompting France to strongly condemn them and demand the immediate release of those detained.
The statement emphasized that these arrests have "consequences for the delivery of aid and the work of humanitarian actors, who are already subject to numerous restrictions in Houthi-controlled territories, at the expense of the civilian population."
It further stated that "it is unacceptable for the UN to be forced to review its operations and limit its activities in response to these threats. Humanitarian workers must be able to carry out their operations safely and without hindrance."
The statement added, "Civilians rely on humanitarian aid. France is concerned about recent floods, the worsening food insecurity, and the spread of cholera, which have added to the challenges facing Yemenis."
Regarding political and military developments, the French statement called on the Houthis to immediately cease their "destabilizing activities in the region, which they continue to carry out daily in violation of fundamental principles of international law."
France reiterated its commitment to regional stability and the security of its partners in the region, stating that it will continue its commitment within the framework of the European ASPIDES operation to ensure maritime safety and freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law and in cooperation with its partners.
On security matters, the statement said, "We must achieve a full and lasting cessation of hostilities to avoid any resumption of conflict on the ground."
It added, "The Houthis must return to the negotiation process led by the Special Envoy, which France fully supports in implementing the political roadmap it has set out. The effective participation of Yemeni women in the negotiations must be ensured."
On Wednesday, the UN Security Council held its monthly open and closed consultations on Yemen. The meeting focused primarily on the detention by the Houthi group, internationally classified as a terrorist organization, of 13 Yemeni staff members belonging to various UN agencies and offices since June, in addition to over 50 workers from NGOs and civil society organizations.