Security Council: Explanation of vote on Yemen
Statement by H.E. Lise Gregoire-van Haaren,
Deputy Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations
New York, 21 December 2018
Thank you, Mr. President.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is pleased that this Council has ultimately been able to adopt unanimously a text that will increase the chances for peace in Yemen.
In line with resolution 2417 on the link between conflict and hunger, this resolution calls on parties to allow and facilitate the safe, rapid and unhindered access for humanitarian personnel to all those in need. In the context of the tremendous humanitarian challenges in Yemen, with millions of Yemeni people on the brink of massive conflict-induced famine, this text will help alleviating the humanitarian situation.
The resolution welcomes the consultations in Sweden, noting the vital importance of making progress towards a political agreement to end the conflict. Such an agreement is to be attained through an inclusive political process; this also implies that the parties themselves should include women in their delegations.
With this resolution, Special Envoy Martin Griffiths, USG Mark Lowcock and Major General Patrick Cammaert as Chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee, will be able to operate for the good of the people of Yemen.
In the Presidential Statement on Yemen of 15 March 2018, the Council stressed the importance of accountability and respect for the principles of proportionality, precaution and distinction.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands believes that accountability is key to further prevent indiscriminate attacks and the targeting of civilians and civilian objects wherever they occur. We strongly reaffirm the need for all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law.
The need for transparent, credible and independent investigations into alleged violations of international humanitarian law, is obvious. Without it the violence and instability in Yemen is likely to continue. Those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law need to be held to account.
We thank the United Kingdom as penholder for their wise steersmanship and tireless efforts.
And we thank all Council Members for putting the interest of the Yemeni people at the center of their decision making.