Ambassador Robert Wood
Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs
New York, New York
November 13, 2024
The United States joined consensus to renew the mandate of the Yemen Panel of Experts, as well as the targeted arms embargo, asset freeze, and travel ban measures.
These sanctions remain an important tool to deter threats to peace, stability, and security of Yemen.
However, we regret that the Council did not adopt further measures to help degrade the Houthis’ ability to continue their destabilizing and aggressive acts in Yemen and in the region.
One such measure, recommended by the Yemen sanctions Panel of Experts, would have enhanced the group’s ability to report on options to address Houthi aggression, enabled by provision of arms and related material from state and non-state actors, in the Red Sea.
Unfortunately, even this common-sense recommendation was not considered by the Council, due in no small part to the threats from one UN Security Council member – with support from another permanent member – to veto any effort to strengthen the sanctions.
Such opposition precluded any reference to growing ties between the Houthis and UN-designated al-Qaida affiliates, including al-Shabaab.
The Houthis have targeted more than 90 merchant vessels with drones and missiles since October 2023, with devasting impacts to commercial shipping.
They have unlawfully detained United Nations, NGO, civil society, former diplomatic mission, and other staff in Yemen with blatant disregard for international norms. All without consequence.
Instead of ignoring these developments, the Council must use the tools at its disposal, including targeted sanctions, to address these escalating threats.
A negotiated solution to the conflict in Yemen will not be possible as long as the Houthis are allowed, and indeed emboldened, to act with impunity.
We stand ready to work with fellow Council members to use all available tools, including sanctions, to enable a peaceful resolution to conflict in Yemen and the region.
