Barran Press
On December 11, 2024, the United Kingdom called on the international community to empower the recognized Yemeni government to "build a strong economy that meets the needs of the Yemeni people."
This statement was made by Barbara Woodward, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during a Security Council meeting focused on Yemen. She emphasized that the devaluation of the Yemeni rial poses a significant threat to economic stability and food security in the country, noting that the Yemeni government requires consistent international support to enhance institutional resilience and cooperation.
The statement also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all UN and international relief workers in Yemen, stressing that humanitarian staff must be able to perform their duties without fear of arbitrary detention or intimidation.
Woodward reiterated the importance of the arms embargo established under UN Security Council Resolution 2216 to prevent the unlawful transfer of weapons to Yemen, urging member states to increase funding to strengthen the UN’s verification and inspection mechanisms.
Additionally, she welcomed the launch of Yemen's Coast Guard Strategy aimed at enhancing arms monitoring and maritime security.
In her concluding remarks, Woodward reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting UN efforts and the Special Envoy in achieving a comprehensive and sustainable peace in Yemen.
Since June 7, 2024, the Houthi group, classified as a terrorist organization, has been conducting widespread arrests of international and UN organization employees in Sana'a and areas under their control. As of June 24, 2024, the Yemeni Minister of Human Rights, Ahmed Arman, reported that over 70 individuals, including UN staff and local humanitarian workers, have been detained, with five of them being women.