12 February 2026
Thank you, Mr. President.
I would like to thank Special Envoy Grundberg and OCHA Director Doughten for their informative briefings. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen in the meeting.
I would like now to raise four points:
First, we strongly condemn the entry by the Houthi de facto authorities into at least six United Nations offices in Sana’a, and the illegal removal of UN assets. Such actions are unacceptable and represent a serious breach of the inviolability of UN premises, assets and operations.
We call upon the Houthis to immediately cease all actions that impede the work of the UN and humanitarian actors, and to enable a safe and secure operating environment. This must include the immediate and unconditional release of all unlawfully detained personnel from the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, humanitarian workers and diplomatic missions’ staff. As we mark one year since the death of the WFP staff member, unlawfully detained by the Houthis, we reiterate our call for full clarity regarding the circumstances of his death and accountability.
We further underscore the urgent need for all parties in Yemen to fully comply with international human rights and humanitarian law, and to ensure the protection of civilians, particularly women and children.
Second, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen continues to be extremely grave. This year, an estimated 23 million people – over half of the population- require humanitarian assistance, including more than 18 million facing food insecurity, while nearly half of all children under the age of five are projected to suffer from malnutrition. These alarming figures underscore the urgent need for sustained international support.
We stress that the continued restrictions imposed by the Houthis significantly undermine humanitarian access, coordination and the delivery of life-saving assistance to people in need. In this regard, UN authorization to operate flights to Houthi-controlled areas, in a safe and secure environment, must be not simply sustained but made permanent.
We recognize the difficult circumstances that have led the World Food Programme to suspend operations in northern, Houthi-controlled areas. At the same time, we stress that the work of WFP is indispensable to addressing Yemen’s severe humanitarian crisis. We reaffirm our full support for the WFP and other humanitarian actors, and underline the urgent need for unimpeded access, sustained funding, and security guarantees for humanitarian personnel.
Third, on the political front, we welcome the formation of the new Yemeni Government and express our full support for unity within the Presidential Leadership Council. We reiterate our unwavering commitment to Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. At this critical juncture, sustained and focused efforts are needed to advance an inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process. We welcome the participation of women in the new Government and underscore the importance of their full, equal and meaningful engagement in decision-making processes.
We further reaffirm our steadfast support to Special Envoy Grundberg to reinvigorate the peace process and achieve a sustainable political solution.
Fourth, Houthis’ recurring threats against maritime traffic underscore the serious and destabilizing risk they continue to pose to freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Red Sea region, with significant and ongoing implications for international shipping and global trade. Trust has yet to be restored. Greece remains fully committed to supporting regional and international efforts to this effect, including through EU Naval Operation ASPIDES, in full respect of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.
I thank you.