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27.02.2023
Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen,
Two-thirds of Yemenis – over 20 million people – depend on our collective humanitarian aid. This is deeply concerning. There is an urgent need to end the conflict in Yemen. The human suffering needs to come to an end.
The de-escalation we have seen the last eight months is encouraging.
Norway fully supports the UN-led peace process. An inclusive process, where women play an active role, is needed. The formal truce last year allowed space for dialogue between the parties – for the first time in years.
Together with ongoing dialogue efforts, this provides a glimmer of hope of a political process. We urge the parties to work towards an agreement and to renew the expired truce.
We continue to be concerned. By the reports of increasing security challenges, by the lack of humanitarian space and lacking access to rural communities.
Over the last months, we have also seen increasing travel restrictions imposed on female humanitarian workers. This is unacceptable, and deeply concerning. Such challenges undermine the lifesaving work of the humanitarian community.
We urge the parties to the conflict to fully respect international humanitarian and human rights law. Civilians must be protected. Children must be protected.
Norway continues to give high priority to the humanitarian response in Yemen. I am pleased to announce a contribution of 250 million Norwegian kroner in 2023.
This is an increase from last year. Further contributions will be considered.
I thank the UN, Sweden, and Switzerland for convening this event. Finally, I want to express my sincere appreciation to our humanitarian partners. You all do critical work in Yemen - under very difficult circumstances.
Thank you.