Statement delivered by His Excellency Abukar Osman, Permanent Representative of Somalia to the United Nations, on behalf of the A3+, at the Security Council Briefing on 'The situation in the Middle East (Yemen) '
Madame President,
1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+ namely—Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, and my own country, Somalia.
2. We thank today’s briefers—Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya from OCHA—for their insightful updates. We also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen.
Madame President,
3. On the security front, the A3+ members express deep concern over the fragile and deteriorating security situation in Yemen and the wider region, recalling that International Humanitarian Law (IHL) unequivocally prohibits attacks against civilians and civilian objects. The A3+ emphasizes the urgent need to prevent the militarization of populated neighborhoods and to protect civilian and civilian infrastructures from harm and destruction.
4. The Group reiterates the urgent need for coordinated efforts to de-escalate tensions and protect civilians and urges all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention and customary principles, and to take necessary measures to protect civilian populations in Yemen from further harm.
5. We commend efforts leading to practical actions—like reopening roads, resolving local disputes face-to-face, and maintaining active coordination through channels like the Military Coordination Committee – established during the 2022 truce.
Madame President,
6. The A3+ is equally concerned about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian and health situation in Yemen. The increase in infections and mortality rates from febrile illnesses, including malaria, dengue fever, and cholera, is particularly troubling. Hundreds of new infections are being reported across several governorates, with the surge in both suspected and confirmed cases compounding an already fragile and overwhelmed healthcare system.
7. The lack of adequate funding, essential medicines, and medical supplies is hindering the Government’s efforts to contain these outbreaks. This health emergency is aggravating existing vulnerabilities and causing a rising rate of fatalities, particularly among women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly.
8. Without immediate international support, the risk of a widespread epidemic will increase significantly, threatening the lives of thousands of Yemenis. We join OCHA in urging all donor countries and international organizations to scale up their assistance to the Yemeni people. We also urge the relevant Yemeni authorities to take all necessary measures to facilitate the effective and timely delivery of humanitarian assistance and life-saving aid.
9. The A3+ reiterates our firm support for the ongoing efforts of Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and his team in facilitating a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process, based on the agreed terms of reference, and in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2216 (2015). We stress that an inclusive and comprehensive political solution remains the only viable path to achieving lasting peace and stability in Yemen.
10. We also reiterate the Secretary-General’s call for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN and humanitarian personnel arbitrarily detained, in violation of international humanitarian law and impede essential humanitarian efforts. Additionally, we also note with appreciation that the Secretary General’s report (S/2025/364) on Houthis' attacks on Commercial vessels in the Red Sea indicates no new incidents since its previous report.
11. The A3+ firmly maintains that securing an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza is critical towards a lasting peace throughout the region. We also stress the need to halt any actions that risk fueling the conflict in Yemen, which threatens to reverse hard-won gains and deepen the humanitarian crisis.
12. In conclusion, the A3+ stands in solidarity with the Yemeni people in their quest for peace, security, and dignity. We call on all parties to demonstrate genuine commitment to dialogue and for the Council to remain united in support of Yemen’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and stability. We remain fully supportive of the efforts of Special Envoy Grundberg and recognize the continued contributions of regional actors—particularly Saudi Arabia and Oman—in facilitating constructive engagement.
I thank you.
