Jay Dharmadhikari, Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations — Statement at the UN Security Council on the Situation in the Middle East (Yemen)
16 June 2026
Madam President,
I wish to thank the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen, Mr. Hans Grundberg, as well as the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Tom Fletcher, for their briefings. I also welcome the presence among us of the Permanent Representative of Yemen.
Madam President,
First and foremost, France condemns the Houthi missile attacks against Israel and Saudi Arabia. We also condemn the threats they are once again posing to navigation in the Red Sea. These actions must cease once and for all; the stability of the region and the global economy depend on it. France reiterates the need to preserve maritime security and freedom of navigation. France will continue its engagement within the framework of the European Union’s defensive security and defense operation, EU-NAVFOR ASPIDES, in full compliance with international law—an operation that maintains a strictly defensive posture in coordination with its European and international partners.
Second, France demands the immediate and unconditional release of all United Nations personnel, non-governmental organization staff, and diplomatic mission personnel arbitrarily detained by the Houthis. The Security Council has once again reiterated its firm condemnation of these detentions and its call for the release of the detainees. Attacks against humanitarian personnel are unacceptable, and Security Council Resolution 2730 must be fully respected. These attacks hinder the delivery of humanitarian aid that the Yemeni people desperately need, at a time when the situation continues to worsen. Children and women are paying the heaviest price.
Third, France reaffirms its commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Yemen. It supports the government’s efforts to consolidate the Yemeni state, which must be able to work toward stabilizing the country and meeting the basic needs of the Yemeni people. France will continue to work to support the legitimate authorities, for the benefit of the population.
Finally, France reaffirms its full support for the work of the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy. The recent agreement on the release of prisoners, announced on May 14, is a step in the right direction. Only an inclusive political process under the auspices of the United Nations will ultimately lead to the establishment of lasting peace in Yemen.
Madam President,
Yemen needs stability to rebuild itself. Weapons and intimidation are not the way to achieve this. The Houthis must stop fueling regional instability and finally act in the interests of the Yemeni people.
Thank you.