Members of the UN Security Council have called on Yemeni and regional parties to engage constructively with UN efforts to reach a comprehensive and lasting political settlement to the crisis in Yemen, while also urging an end to military escalation. The call comes as the Council continues to monitor the worsening situation on the ground and rising security threats around Yemen’s key waterways.
In a joint press statement, the Council urged all sides to stop mutual military operations and return to UN-backed negotiations, stressing that a political solution remains the only way to end the conflict and restore stability.
Security Council Calls for De-escalation in Yemen
Stop Military Operations and Return to Talks
The Security Council said the immediate priority should be de-escalation and a halt to military action, with no steps taken that could undermine chances of calm and a return to the political track. It urged Yemeni and regional parties to respond positively to UN efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement.
The statement followed a series of emergency sessions held by the Council in September to address the deteriorating situation in Yemen and the growing threats around vital maritime routes.
Strong Support for the UN Track
The Council expressed support for the UN-led efforts to reduce tension in Yemen, saying continued fighting would only make the crisis more complicated. It also said a return to dialogue is the only path capable of ending the conflict.
Council Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia
Strong Condemnation of Attacks on Civilians and Energy Infrastructure
In another statement issued in New York, Security Council members strongly condemned the attacks carried out by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia, including attacks that damaged civilian areas and energy infrastructure and caused injuries to civilians, including women and children.
The Council recalled its August 7 statement condemning Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and attacks on commercial ships, and it renewed its condemnation of those attacks and of threats to commercial navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait.
Protecting Shipping and Freedom of Navigation
Council members stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of commercial vessels and their crews, and of acting in line with international law, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the rights and freedoms of navigation. They said attacks on shipping and maritime routes threaten both regional and international security.
Call for an Immediate End to Escalation
Full Implementation of Security Council Resolutions
The Security Council called on the Houthis to stop military escalation immediately and end attacks affecting civilians and civilian property. It also stressed the importance of fully implementing Resolution 2216 (2015) and later resolutions.
The Council said it was deeply concerned by reports of civilians killed and injured, and by the displacement of at least 125,000 people across Yemen since the beginning of September, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. It also warned that Houthi attacks had destroyed civilian property and infrastructure.
Risk of a Wider Conflict
The Council warned that continued escalation would worsen Yemen’s already dire situation and could cause more civilian displacement. It also said Houthi attacks and threats to international shipping in the Red Sea could expand the conflict and threaten maritime security and global trade.
Solidarity With Saudi Arabia and Support for Yemen’s Government
Right to Self-Defense
Security Council members expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the face of attacks affecting civilians and civilian facilities on its territory. They also affirmed Saudi Arabia’s inherent right to self-defense in line with international law.
Commitment to Yemen’s Unity and Sovereignty
The members reiterated their support for Yemen’s government and their strong commitment to Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. They said lasting peace in Yemen can only be achieved through dialogue and cannot be imposed through coercion or force.
Support for UN Envoy Hans Grundberg
A Negotiated Settlement Led by Yemenis
The Security Council also expressed support for UN envoy Hans Grundberg in his efforts to reach an inclusive, negotiated political settlement led and owned by Yemenis, based on agreed references and in line with Security Council resolutions. The Council called on all parties to engage constructively with the UN process.
Conclusion:
The UN Security Council is once again urging de-escalation and an end to military operations in Yemen, stressing that a comprehensive political settlement remains the only way to end the crisis. At the same time, it continues to condemn Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and threats to Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab shipping, while backing the UN path and the special envoy’s efforts for a broad negotiated solution.
