Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I very much thank the representatives present and the Members of all parties and none in the House who signed the motion to ensure it is a message that comes from the Upper House as a whole. I thank the Minister of State for being present and the Government for giving time for this important debate and for giving us the opportunity to send an important signal and message on the importance of peace and humanitarian solutions to the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The conflict has been going on for more than three and a years and has had a devastating impact on civilians of all ages. Millions of Yemenis, the majority of the population, are on the brink of starvation. The UN has identified that more than 400,000 children are at risk of severe malnutrition. The impact on their lives has been severe.

Just this week, since the motion was originally drafted, we have had a moment of hope in a very welcome ceasefire. It is important to commend the UN special envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, for his role in helping to secure that ceasefire in the port of Hodeidah. Since June, the port and its population have suffered devastating fighting, and the block on aid due to the important channel cut off in the port has deeply intensified the danger of famine for many in the country. It is hoped the ceasefire will allow for improved access for aid and humanitarian support.

I ask that the Government play an active role not only in supporting the UN talks, the UN special envoy and another UN envoy, Patrick Cammaert from the Netherlands, who will go to the port of Hodeidah today to represent the UN there, but in drawing on our humanitarian reputation and expertise in this area to ensure that aid reaches all of those who need it most and that we have a scaling up of the humanitarian effort. We must press for a scaling up of the ceasefire beyond the port and an end to military activities throughout Yemen.

Ireland has an opportunity to support those fleeing the conflict, and I note the International Protection (Family Reunification) (Amendment) Bill 2017 put forward by my group, which has passed Second Stage in the Dáil, is one way for Ireland to support a humanitarian response for those fleeing the devastation of this recognised conflict zone.

I thank everyone in the House. We are sending an important signal. I commend the NGOs who are standing outside in vigil and the peace activists who have kept the issue on the agenda at times when it was not being spoken about enough. I hope we will continue this into the new year and continue our vigilance.