Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Accepted
Continue raising and debating issues at the UN Security Council, even if vetoed.
Conclusion
The UK must continue to put forward, raise and debate issues at the United Nations Security Council for files it holds the pen for, even if these are ultimately vetoed. It is essential that in situations of conflict where the UK has a responsibility, that conflict is seen to be being raised and debated at the United Nations Security Council, despite the outcome. This demonstrates the UK’s leadership and commitment to a rules-based international order, whilst highlighting deliberate actions by other Permanent Members to forestall resolutions. (Recommendation, Paragraph 79)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's recommendation regarding Yemen, stating it will continue to use its interventions at monthly UN Security Council meetings to highlight the human cost of the conflict, push for the safety of women and girls, and condemn detentions. It also commits to actively exploring options to raise awareness of food security levels and work for a political settlement.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
60. HMG plays a leading role on Yemen as UN Security Council penholder and is currently the largest donor to the Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for this financial year. Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, starting in October 2023, have stalled progress on the path towards a negotiated political settlement and a stable and secure Yemen. The current ceasefire in Gaza offers a small but important opportunity to relaunch these efforts in partnership with the UN and the region. 61. HMG will continue to use our interventions at monthly UN Security Council meetings on Yemen to highlight the human cost of this conflict as the Committee has recommended, including pushing for the safety of women and girls, the protection of civilians and reiterating our condemnation of the Houthis’ arbitrary detention of staff from the UN, NGOs, INGOs, civil society organisations and diplomatic missions. We are actively exploring options to further raise awareness of the significant deterioration of food security levels in Yemen. 62. HMG will also continue to work closely with the UN Special Envoy to push for a sustainable, inclusive political settlement in Yemen, including through galvanizing UN Security Council support for a UN-led political process, improving humanitarian conditions and restoring maritime security in the Red Sea. The UK strongly supports the participation of Yemeni stakeholders in any dialogue regarding the country’s future. 24