Security Council Press Statement on Yemen
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Vitaly I. Churkin (Russian Federation):
The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the horrific 2 September terrorist attacks in Sana’a, Yemen, which resulted in a large number of deaths and casualties.
The members of the Security Council also condemned the killing by an armed gunman on the same day of two staff members of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Yemen.
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 and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
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 their 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 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.
The members of the Security Council urged all parties to facilitate the urgent delivery of humanitarian assistance to all parts of Yemen, as well as rapid, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors to reach people in need of humanitarian assistance, including medical assistance. The members of the Security Council called upon all sides to comply with international humanitarian law and to urgently work with the United Nations and humanitarian aid organizations to bring assistance to those in need throughout the country.