Tom Brabazon (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

133. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his assessment of the current situation in Yemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56948/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am deeply concerned about the ongoing hostilities and the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen.

Since March 2015, Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war that has brought misery and suffering to its people. These have been further exacerbated by Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea which have impacted on aid delivery not only to Yemen but also to the Horn of Africa.

Ireland supports the UN mission in Yemen in its humanitarian and development work. This has been made much more difficult by the arbitrary detention by the Houthis of UN and other aid workers, with a consequent reduction in the aid reaching those in need. I call for the immediate release of those being held.

We will continue to support the people of Yemen through the provision of humanitarian relief, and by pushing for independent investigations of attacks on civilians, to ensure and enhance the protection of Yemeni civilians.

The Government has consistently condemned the attacks by the Houthis against shipping in the Red Sea, which began in November 2023. We have also condemned rocket attacks on Israel by the Houthis, which are completely unacceptable. These actions are a further threat to regional stability, and undermine the supply of humanitarian aid to the millions at risk of starvation in Yemen.

In multilateral forums, Ireland has consistently called for respect for international humanitarian law, human rights, and for unfettered humanitarian access to Yemen.

Only a political solution can bring this conflict to an end, and durably resolve the humanitarian crisis. I urge all parties in Yemen, including the Houthis, to choose the path of peace and to engage in an inclusive political dialogue. The long-suffering people of Yemen deserve a better future.