The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution on Yemen’s sanctions regime on November 12. Britain said the decision strengthened enforcement of the arms embargo against the Houthis. British ambassador Sarah MacIntosh said council members would work on a list of additional goods covered by measures in the coming months, alongside calls for peace and the release of detained personnel.
The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution on Yemen’s sanctions regime on November 12. Britain’s explanation of its vote said the decision strengthened implementation of the arms embargo against the Houthis, the Yemeni armed movement. Britain said the decision updated the sanctions regime in response to fighting in Yemen and regional attacks.[1], [2]
British ambassador Sarah MacIntosh said council members would work in the coming months to agree a list of additional goods covered by sanctions measures. She linked the step to the Houthis’ local weapons production and regional attacks. Her explanation of the vote did not announce a completed list.[1]
Britain expressed solidarity with Yemen’s government and Saudi Arabia. MacIntosh reaffirmed their right to defend their security and sovereignty in accordance with international law, presenting this as the British government’s position.[1]
MacIntosh said more than 22.3 million people in Yemen needed humanitarian assistance and protection, and that recent fighting had displaced more than 330,000 people. She condemned the Houthis’ detention of United Nations, humanitarian, civil society and diplomatic personnel and called for their immediate, unconditional release. Britain described sanctions as a means of supporting conditions for an inclusive and lasting peace.[1]
