Security Council Press Statement on Yemen

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Mahamat Zene Cherif (Chad):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the horrific 16 December bomb attacks in Radaa, Yemen, which caused a number of deaths and casualties.  Those killed in the senseless attacks included at least 15 children traveling on a school bus.  In this regard, the members of the Security Council reiterated their condemnation of violations and abuses committed against children by terrorists.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of those killed and injured by these heinous acts, as well as to the people and the Government of Yemen.

The members of the Security Council condemned the growing number of attacks carried out or sponsored by Al-Qaida in the Arabian peninsula.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever and whenever, and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Yemeni authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council recalled that Al-Qaida in the Arabian peninsula is included on the Al-Qaida Sanctions List and is thus subject to the asset freeze and arms embargo in resolution 2161 (2014) and further recalls that any individual or entity that provides financial or material support to the group, including the provision of arms or recruits, is eligible to be added to the Al-Qaida Sanctions List and subject to sanctions measures.

The members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.