STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 45th Session.
Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the report of the Group of Eminent International and Regional Experts on Yemen
Statement, as delivered on behalf of NB8 (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden) by
Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith, Permanent Representative of Norway
29 September 2020
Check against delivery
Mme. President,
I have the pleasure of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries; Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden and my own country Norway.
I want to thank the Group of Eminent Experts (GEE) for its work. It is regrettable that it has found, yet again, patterns of continued violations by all parties to the conflict. The Nordic Baltic countries supported the establishment of the GEE, and will favor a renewal and strengthening of its mandate. The GEE must be provided with access and sufficient resources.
We note with deep concern reports that all parties to the conflict may be responsible for indiscriminate attacks, the use of children as soldiers, torture, sexual and gender based violence, and serious violations against freedom of expression and belief. We support the GEE’s recommendations regarding collection and preservation of evidence with a view to future accountability.
We urge all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian and human rights law, and ensure safe humanitarian access. We encourage all states to provide appropriate funding to the humanitarian response. Furthermore, we call on all states to refrain from supplying arms to the parties. We have a moral obligation to support the people of Yemen until a sustainable solution political is reached.
We support the UN Special Envoy and call on the parties to engage with UN efforts for a nationwide ceasefire and political process. Only an inclusive political process, with full participation of women, can resolve the conflict and bring sustainable peace to Yemen.
Thank you.