14 April 2026
Thank you, Mme President,
I thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and the OCHA Director Edem Wosornu for their insightful briefings, and I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen in today’s meeting.
In light of today’s briefings and the evolving situation on the ground, I wish to outline three key points.
First, we express our profound concern over the current situation in the Middle East. We unequivocally condemn the move by the Houthis to enter the conflict by conducting direct military strikes against Israel.
It risks pulling Yemen into a wider regional confrontation at a time when it is least able to handle more instability. Moreover, any escalation would not just deepen Yemen’s struggles, but could see hostilities spill into the Red Sea, disrupting yet another vital maritime corridor for global trade, energy and humanitarian flows.
The hostilities must come to an immediate halt. We call on all actors to exercise the utmost restraint and focus on de-escalation and dialogue.
Second, amid regional turmoil, the recently published 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Yemen paints an increasingly alarming picture. The number of people in need has risen from approximately 19.5 million in 2025 to over 22 million in 2026. We heard the grim reality described by Ms Wosornu just now.
While the European Union remains a leading donor also in 2026, urgent additional international financing is needed to avoid a repeat of last year’s critically underfunded response.
Notably, this plan was developed before the latest escalation in the Middle East and does not yet account for the economic shocks from disrupted maritime routes nor the Houthis ramping up hostilities. These are factors that stretch supply chains and will likely exacerbate an already devastating humanitarian emergency further.
Ongoing floods add to the devastation, displacing the population, damaging vital infrastructure and heightening the urgency of humanitarian aid.
We strongly condemn again the continued detention of 73 United Nations and humanitarian personnel, which is unacceptable under any circumstances. Moreover, each additional day of detention undermines critical relief operations. We call yet again for their immediate and unconditional release and stress the obligation of all parties to ensure the safety, security, and unimpeded access of humanitarian workers.
Third, we would like to acknowledge the ongoing efforts by the Government of Yemen to stabilize governance amid extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
In this regard, Latvia welcomes the recent statement by the IMF Executive Board issued following the resumed Article IV consultations with Yemen, recognizing the government’s steps and commitment that have contributed to stabilizing the economy and enabling the delivery of essential public services. As significant downside risks remain, we encourage the continuation of these policies.
It also remains important to continue efforts to stabilize the situation in the southern governorates, and advance towards a sustained and inclusive dialogue in the south of Yemen.
Likewise, we encourage all diplomatic initiatives for a comprehensive and inclusive political process involving all relevant parties across Yemen, and with the full and meaningful participation of women, under the auspices of the UN. Latvia reiterates its strong and unwavering support for the Special Envoy’s indispensable mediation efforts, now also enhanced by the core tasks of UNMHA.
In conclusion, Mr. President,
let me underscore that amid the regional escalation all Yemeni parties must maintain momentum in advancing political dialogue and focus on urgent domestic priorities. No actor must impede this path. Yemenis’ lives, dignity and aspirations must remain central to every decision.
I thank you!