Barran Press
On November 13, 2024, China’s representative to the United Nations urged for concerted efforts to strengthen an inclusive political process in Yemen, coinciding with the UN Security Council's decision to extend sanctions on specific individuals and entities linked to the ongoing conflict.
During the Security Council session, which resulted in the adoption of Resolution 2758, the Council extended sanctions for an additional 12 months and renewed the mandate of the expert panel assisting the Yemen sanctions committee for 13 months.
Chinese Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Jing Shuang, expressed concern that the peace process in Yemen has stalled and noted ongoing tensions in the Red Sea. He emphasized the necessity and appropriateness of the Security Council's decision to extend relevant sanctions for one year.
Shuang described the expert panel as an integral part of the sanctions committee, with their reports serving as crucial references for discussions. He expressed hope that the panel members would uphold professionalism and carry out their duties independently and objectively.
He stressed that these experts should provide evidence-based reports and practical political recommendations, reiterating that sanctions are a means to facilitate political solutions, not an end in themselves.
While the Security Council implements necessary sanctions on Yemen, Shuang called for enhanced diplomatic efforts. He urged all parties to support the UN envoy’s work and promote a Yemeni-led political process that is owned by the Yemeni people.
Regarding the tensions in the Red Sea, Shuang linked them to the broader conflicts in Gaza, calling on all involved parties to support the Security Council in taking decisive actions to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and effectively reduce regional tensions.
The Security Council's recent resolution, drafted by the UK, was unanimously approved to extend international sanctions against Yemen for another year. The sanctions include financial restrictions, travel bans on individuals, and asset freezes until November 15, 2025.
The resolution also renewed the mandate for the expert panel monitoring the arms embargo until November 15, 2025. Since 2015, Yemen has been under arms export sanctions as per Security Council Resolution 2216, targeting the Houthi group and forces loyal to the late President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
Following the vote, UK Permanent Representative to the UN Barbara Woodward asserted that extending sanctions is crucial for building a peace process in Yemen, sending a clear message to the Houthis and limiting their destabilizing efforts.