Debate: Humanitarian and political situation in Yemen
Date: TUESDAY, 9 FEBRUARY 2021
Speaker: Josep Borrell Fontelles
Language: EN

The war has been raging for almost six years with a devastating impact, 24 million people – which means 80% of the Yemeni population – are in need of humanitarian assistance and more than four million are displaced. Beyond this terrible humanitarian crisis, the war in Yemen has become a source of instability in the whole region and we need to take decisive action to avert a mass famine. The situation can still deteriorate if restrictions on imports of basic commodities and humanitarian access persist. The COVID-19 pandemic has already exacerbated the humanitarian situation in Yemen. And additionally, the Safer oil tanker stranded in the Red Sea is a ticking time bomb that could cause an environmental disaster.  Since the start of the conflict six years ago, the European Union has not only made diplomatic efforts, but also provided nearly EUR 1 billion to Yemen, as a response to the crisis through humanitarian and development assistance. You can be sure that we will keep working to support the only way out of this crisis, which is a political settlement for peace and stability. To this end, we fully back the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths, in support of a ceasefire and a political solution. Current prospects for a rapid breakthrough in Yemen are certainly, and unhappily, slim.  The latest attacks by Ansar Allah showed how challenging the situation remains. But at the same time, we feel a growing sense of urgency in the international community to find a way out. The latest announcement from the Biden administration, ending support for Saudi-led offensive operations, on the appointment of a special Yemen envoy, show a genuine interest from our partners to address the crisis. We also welcome the announced revocation of the designation of Ansar Allah as a foreign terrorist organisation. This designation could have catastrophic consequences in the context of Yemen, as the country is highly dependent on commercial food imports. Yes, it has to be very clear that to declare an entity to be a terrorist organisation can create a blockage on trade, because nobody will dare to face US sanctions. And this is one example that has to be criticised about some decisions of the outgoing Trump administration.  We strongly condemn the 13 December attack on the new government. The unprecedented mission of eight European ambassadors to Aden, that demonstrates our strong diplomatic support. We are ready to push for a concerted action to unlock the stalled process and to nudge the parties to implement a permanent cease fire and begin political talks. I am confident that progress towards peace in Yemen will also help de-escalate the tense situation in the wider Gulf region. I will personally continue engagement on all these issues, along with Commissioner for Crisis Management, my colleague Janez Lenarčič and other partners, and I am looking forward to working with you on this critical file. Six years of war, one of the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world has to stop and we in the European Union have an important role to play in it.