NEWS STORY : UK Reaffirms Commitment to Red Sea Maritime Security at UN Security Council
STORY
In a statement to the UN Security Council today, Ambassador James Kariuki, the UK Deputy Permanent Representative, underlined Britain’s determination to restore freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Red Sea, describing it as “essential in upholding stability in the region.” He welcomed recent de-escalation efforts around Yemen and urged that they serve as a pathway to sustainable peace, while warning that “the risk of escalation remains” given continued threats and worrying military posturing on the frontlines.
Highlighting practical support, Ambassador Kariuki announced that the UK continues to back the Yemen Coast Guard in safeguarding maritime borders and confirmed plans to launch the Yemen Maritime Security Partnership in June, alongside the Yemeni government and international partners. Turning to the humanitarian dimension, he drew attention to the disproportionate impact of the conflict on women, noting that 4.8 million internally displaced people are women, and 6.2 million women and girls remain at risk of gender-based violence—statistics drawn from the UN’s Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan.
He also highlighted that UK funding in 2024 provided lifesaving services to nearly 1.5 million women and children and enabled 15,000 to access protection and gender-based violence response services, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to championing women’s roles in peacebuilding. Ambassador Kariuki condemned the ongoing detention of aid workers by the Houthis, calling for their “immediate and unconditional release” and warned that such actions further constrict humanitarian access at a time when nearly 20 million Yemenis are in dire need of assistance. Finally, he expressed gratitude to Dr Ahmad bin Mubarak, the outgoing Yemeni Prime Minister, and welcomed the new Prime Minister, Salem Bin Breik, pledging continued UK support for Yemen’s ambitious reform programme under the new administration.
