Statement of Latvia at the UN Security Council
Middle East (Yemen): Emergency Briefing
15 September 2026, 15:00
Thank you, Mr. President.
I thank the French Presidency for convening this urgent meeting. I also thank the ASG Khiari for his briefing, and welcome the participation of the Permanent Representatives of Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
Latvia condemns in the strongest terms the Houthis’ continued attacks against Saudi Arabia and their resumed hostilities in Yemen, including advances that threaten the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea are vital arteries of global commerce, and their waters must not become a theatre of intimidation and hostilities. The security of international maritime navigation is not negotiable. Commercial vessels exercising their rights and freedoms of navigation in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, must be able to transit safely and unhindered.
We therefore call on the Houthis to immediately halt all threats and attacks, both within Yemen and beyond its borders, including attacks against commercial shipping, and to respect the fundamental principles governing freedom of navigation.
The continued flow of weapons and other support to the Houthis, including from Iran, is further contributing to regional destabilisation. Effective implementation of the arms embargo is therefore essential to curbing the Houthis’ capacity to sustain hostilities and reducing the risk of further escalation. An embargo that is not fully and collectively enforced cannot fulfil its purpose, and we are witnessing the consequences of this today.
Latvia therefore calls for full compliance with the relevant decisions of this Council.
Mr. President,
The impacts of the renewed fighting extend far beyond the battlefield. Since our urgent briefing last week, continued fighting along Yemen’s west coast has led to a many-fold increase in displacement. Last week, citing data from the International Organization for Migration, I mentioned that approximately 18 500 people had been displaced in just 72 hours following the escalation of hostilities on 3 September. The latest data show that this number has now exceeded 93 000.
We are also witnessing the spillover of humanitarian consequences across Yemen’s borders and into neighbouring regions, notably in Africa. More than 2 000 people fleeing the violence have already reached Djibouti’s northern shores.
This movement is a stark warning of the wider regional humanitarian and security crisis that this escalation could bring about.
Mr. President,
Renewed hostilities represent another serious setback to efforts to bring Yemen’s devastating conflict to a negotiated and lasting end. But there is no military path to lasting peace in Yemen. All parties must exercise restraint, abide by international humanitarian law, reject further escalation, and return to meaningful negotiations. At the same time, we recognize the right of Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to defend themselves.
Latvia continues to stand with the people of Yemen and to uphold the country’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Latvia remains fully committed to a comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process, facilitated by the UN.
In this endeavour, the sustained efforts of UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg remain of vital importance, and Latvia reiterates its firm support for his tireless efforts at this critical juncture.
The Council’s continued engagement will be essential to maintaining international attention on Yemen and, above all, to ensuring that the aspirations of the Yemeni people are not lost amid the political and humanitarian challenges facing the country.
I thank you!