Yemen Monitor / New York / Exclusive:
The United Kingdom announced on Tuesday that it will provide more than $190 million to support Yemen’s humanitarian response plan, reaffirming its commitment to collective efforts to assist the most vulnerable populations. The announcement came alongside its welcome of a detainee exchange agreement and its strong condemnation of the continued detention of UN and international organization staff by the Houthi group.
The statement was delivered by UK Ministerial Counselor Jennifer Macnaughtan during a session of the United Nations Security Council in New York, which discussed political, humanitarian, and security developments in Yemen.
At the beginning of her remarks, the British representative praised the announcement by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, regarding an agreement to release conflict-related detainees.
Macnaughtan commended the joint efforts of the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Saudi Arabia, as well as support from Oman and Jordan, in securing the agreement. She urged all parties to implement it fully and swiftly in order to build positive momentum for the peace process.
At the same time, the United Kingdom renewed its strong condemnation of the Houthi group’s detention of personnel from the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and diplomatic missions. It expressed deep concern for the safety of the detainees, some of whom have been separated from their families for more than two years. The statement noted that members of the Security Council continue to demand the immediate and unconditional release of 73 UN staff members and other detained activists.
The statement emphasized that Houthi threats against humanitarian workers are unacceptable and have led to the suspension of critical life-saving programs, further worsening the dire situation faced by millions of Yemenis.
On the humanitarian front, London expressed deep concern over the deterioration of food security conditions, citing a briefing by Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher. The statement explained that more than 18 million Yemenis—nearly half the population—already suffer from food insecurity. Many have been forced to adopt severe coping mechanisms, such as selling their homes and assets to secure basic necessities. According to analyses by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), conditions are expected to worsen in the coming months.
In this context, Macnaughtan recalled that Britain provided more than $190 million last year for Yemen’s humanitarian response and affirmed that this support will continue, alongside close coordination with international partners to reach the poorest and most affected families.
On the political and development front, the United Kingdom called for sustained international attention to Yemen’s stability and security despite the complex regional challenges surrounding the country.
London also praised the notable progress achieved by the Yemeni government since February, particularly highlighting Saudi Arabia’s crucial support through the provision of fuel products at a critical time. The British representative reaffirmed her country’s strong support for Rashad Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, and Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak Al-Zindani, as the government continues implementing important reforms and preparing a new national development plan for Yemen.
