Verbatim report of proceedings

Tuesday, 2 October 2018 - Strasbourg

Situation in Yemen (debate)

  Christos Stylianides, Member of the Commission,on behalf of the Vice—President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. – Mr President, the war in Yemen has been raging for more than three years now. It has taken a tremendous toll on this country, where millions are suffering the consequences of the conflict. We see images of Yemenis eating tree leaves and parents forced to watch their babies starve to death. This is completely unacceptable. The figures are appalling: almost 18 million are literally starving. The UN recently warned that they may be unable to prevent a massive famine – unless the security situation improves.

The escalation of hostilities along the coast has worsened an already disastrous situation: civilians and civilian infrastructure continue to be targeted, in clear violation of international humanitarian law. More than half a million people have been displaced from Hodeidah, where several hundred thousand more remain trapped. Public salaries in the northern part of the country, controlled by the Houthi, have not been paid in years. Instead of going to school, children are being recruited to fight on the frontlines.

With the collapse of basic services, Yemenis have been deprived of health facilities and drinking water. This has led to the worst cholera epidemic ever recorded in the country. The war has also disrupted imports of basic commodities, driving prices up and pushing more and more Yemenis into poverty and destitution. Smuggling and war profiteering are thriving on the back of a suffering population. Lawlessness has allowed terrorist groups like al-Qaeda or Daesh to gain a foothold in the country.

The war has also had an impact in the region. Saudi Arabia has become a regular target of missiles coming from Houthi-controlled areas. Maritime traffic between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean has been affected, as several ships have been targeted by rockets. But perhaps more importantly, the war has increased regional tensions. Indeed, Yemen remains a catalyst for instability and regional turmoil.

There is no easy fix for Yemen. A political settlement will require concessions from all sides, continued banking and diplomatic pressure from the international community. That is why we believe it is more crucial than ever at this time to lend as much support as possible to the United Nations and their Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths.

Let me thank him for his attempt to resume consultations in Geneva among the parties. It is unfortunate that the Houthi did not attend. As Griffiths put it, resumptions of talks are always a delicate, fragile moment. Our support, from the EU and our Member States, is now truly essential. We will therefore continue to call on the parties to remain engaged in the UN-led process in view of achieving a comprehensive political settlement to this really unacceptable war.

We will not just ‘declare’ our political commitment. We are looking into ways to provide concrete support to the UN Special Envoy team in areas identified by Mr Griffiths. The idea is to add value to his ongoing work and complement his efforts where needed.

Furthermore, the European Union is already contributing EUR 173 million of development assistance to several projects in Yemen, ranging from rural resilience, health and nutrition, food security and support to displaced persons. These projects are meant to lay the groundwork for a stable Yemen by supporting crisis-affected communities and helping maintain the basic functions of local authorities.

Likewise, the EU has allocated EUR 233 million in humanitarian aid alone through our partner organisations since the beginning of this conflict in 2015. Our humanitarian aid has been directed to the areas most in need and we have continued our advocacy efforts in international fora, even last week during the UN General Assembly.

In this regard, we believe that the mandate of the Group of Eminent Experts set up by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights should be renewed. Its last report points to violations of international humanitarian law committed by all sides. Accountability is crucial, not only to a real resolution of the conflict, but also to an effective and inclusive reconciliation process in Yemen.

The people of Yemen have suffered for too long. Building a more cooperative regional dynamic is in everyone’s interest – and it is becoming more and more urgent. This is my view, dear colleagues, and thank you for your attention.