Statement of Latvia at the UN Security Council Emergency Briefing on Middle East (Yemen)
10 September 2026, 15:00
Thank you, Mr. President.
I thank the French Presidency for convening this urgent meeting at the request of Bahrain and the United Kingdom. I also thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg for his briefing, and welcome the participation of the Permanent Representatives of Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
Latvia condemns in the strongest terms the recent Houthi attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which struck several locations and caused civilian casualties, including women and children.
We express our solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the government of Yemen, and all families affected by the attacks.
In recent months, we have witnessed a series of Houthi strikes and threats, with Saudi Arabia and Saudi-linked commercial shipping in the Red Sea emerging as the primary target. Iran’s continued support to Houthis’ actions and capabilities is increasing regional destabilisation.
These Houthi attacks, which place civilians at disproportionate and indiscriminate risk, are unacceptable and contrary to the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.
As noted by the Special Envoy Grundberg, the security situation within Yemen itself has deteriorated sharply, with the Houthis’ decision to resume conflict and their advances further south, including the capture of Mocha, alongside intensified fighting across several other frontlines and threats to the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
The latest hostilities signal a dangerous escalation, with potentially dramatic consequences for the entire region, and represent a further blow to efforts aimed at bringing the conflict in Yemen to a negotiated and lasting end. The Houthis bear full responsibility for this escalation.
Latvia calls on the Houthis to immediately cease attacks against Saudi Arabia and to end attacks inside and beyond Yemen. We also call for full compliance with the relevant decisions of this Council, including Security Council resolutions 2140 (2014) and 2216 (2015).
Mr. President,
Once again, Yemeni civilians are bearing the consequences of a conflict they have endured for far too long.
And the humanitarian consequences are immediate.
According to the International Organization for Migration, in just 72 hours since the escalation of hostilities on 3 September, approximately 18,500 people have reportedly been displaced along Yemen’s West coast, with displacement continuing to rise by the hour.
Continued fighting makes movement for families increasingly dangerous, while humanitarian organisations face growing difficulties in reaching those in need. Families fleeing violence must be able to reach safer areas, and humanitarian organisations must be able to operate safely and without obstruction.
These are not political or military concessions; they are obligations under international law that all parties to the conflict must respect. We once again call on the Houthis to immediately and unconditionally release all detained UN, humanitarian, civil society and diplomatic personnel.
The escalating humanitarian needs are unfolding against an already critical funding shortfall. Meeting urgent additional humanitarian needs require strengthened international financing, complemented by continued support from leading donors such as the European Union.
Mr. President,
Latvia remains firmly committed to Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and to a comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process, facilitated by the UN.
Achieving this requires restraint from all parties and a genuine willingness to return to the negotiating table.
In this regard we reiterate our strong support for the tireless efforts of Special Envoy Hans Grundberg. At this critical moment, his work to preserve the space for dialogue and advance a peaceful resolution is more important than ever.
The people of Yemen have paid an intolerably high price in this conflict. They deserve a decisive break from violence and a credible political horizon that can lead to lasting peace, stability, and a more hopeful future.
This Council must remain actively engaged on this matter and Latvia is ready to do so.
I thank you!