48th session of the Human Rights Council: Joint Nordic-Baltic Statement on Yemen

Iceland delivered a joint statement on the behalf of the Nordic and Baltic states in the Human Rights Council on 14 September on the situation in Yemen.

Human Rights Council
48th session

Interactive dialogue on the report of the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen
14 September 2021

Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries

[Check against delivery]

Madame President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries.

We thank the Group of Experts for their reporting outlining a host of serious violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law; both of which may constitute war crimes. The disrespect for IHL and human rights must stop; parties to the conflict must uphold their obligations under international law.

An inclusive political solution to this man-made conflict is the only way forward. In its absence, one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world will reach new lows and the culture of impunity will continue to prevail and fuel abuses.

We strongly support the UN-led mediation efforts, the mandate of the UN Special Envoy, and the critical work of the Group of Experts. We call upon the parties to the conflict to meaningfully engage with the Special Envoy without preconditions, to fully cooperate with the Group of Experts and to partake in a political process towards a comprehensive and sustainable peace.

How can the Council support the promotion of human rights, inclusiveness, safety and dignity of the people of Yemen?