Security Council press statement on the situation in Yemen

1.On 16th February 2016 the Security Council was briefed by the Under SecretaryGeneral for humanitarian affairs, Stephen OBrien on the situation in Yemen.
Members of the Council received a further briefing on the situation in Yemen from the
Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed on
17th February. The members of the Security Council were also briefed on 17 th
February by H.E. Mr. Motohide Yoshikawa, chair of the UN Sanctions Committee on
Yemen.
2. The members of the Security Council recalled Security Council resolutions 2014
(2011), 2051 (2012), 2140 (2014), 2201 (2015) and 2216 (2215), emphasising the
need for a peaceful, orderly, inclusive and Yemeni-led transition process. The
members of the Security Council reiterated their demand for the full implementation
of relevant Security Council resolutions, and reiterated their call from resolution 2216
(2015) on all Yemeni parties to resume and accelerate United Nations-brokered
inclusive political consultations.
3. The members of the Security Council expressed serious concern at the
humanitarian crisis in Yemen, which in terms of numbers of people in need is the
largest in the world. The members of the Security Council underlined their full
support to humanitarian workers delivering aid in very difficult conditions across
Yemen. The members of the Security Council expressed concern at all reports of
obstruction of the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Yemen. The members of the
Security Council welcomed the establishment of the UN Verification and Inspection
Mechanism (UNVIM) and called upon all States to adhere to its provisions.
4. The members of the Security Council urged all parties to fulfil their commitments
to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance , including measures to further
ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. The members of the
Security Council further underlined the importance of the delivery of commercial
goods and fuel for civilian purposes to all parts of Yemen. The members of the
Security Council called upon all sides to comply with international humanitarian law,
including to take all feasible precautions to minimise harm to civilians and civilian
objects, to end the recruitment and use of children in violation of applicable
international law, and to work urgently with the United Nations and humanitarian aid
organisations to bring assistance to those in need throughout the country.
5. The members of the Security Council urged all parties to the conflict in Yemen to
take urgent steps towards resuming a ceasefire. The members of the Security
Council emphasized that cessation of hostilities and compliance with related Security
Council resolutions should lead to a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. The
members of the Security Council further emphasized the importance of establishing
fully the "De-escalation and Coordination Committee".
6.The members of the Security Council urged the Yemeni parties to fulfil their
commitments made during the last round of talks between 15-20 December 2015
and further urged the parties to participate in a new round of talks, building on the
progress that has been achieved so far on ending the conflict.

7. The members of the Security Council expressed their grave concern at the
increasing presence of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and ISIL or Daesh in
Yemen.
8. The members of the Security Council called on all Yemeni parties to engage in
political talks without preconditions and in good faith, including by resolving their
differences through dialogue and consultations in accordance with the Gulf
Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of
the comprehensive National Dialogue Conference and relevant Security Council
resolutions. The members of the Security Council underlined their strong support for
the Secretary-Generals Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed in
facilitating these talks.
9. The members of the Security Council reiterated their strong commitment to the
unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen.