UN Security Council Extends Sanctions and Arms Embargo on Houthi Entities

The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously on Thursday to extend sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, related to the conflict in Yemen, while condemning the ongoing military escalation and maritime attacks conducted by the Houthi militia.

Resolution 2837, sponsored by the United Kingdom, demands an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities by the Houthi militia. The Council specifically denounced attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure, including commercial airports and international maritime shipping, which pose a significant threat to global trade and regional security.

The Council reaffirmed the measures established under Resolution 2140 of 2014, extending them until November 14, 2027. These provisions mandate that all UN member states freeze the funds, financial assets, and economic resources belonging to individuals and entities designated on the sanctions list, in addition to enforcing travel bans against those identified by the Sanctions Committee.

Furthermore, the mandate of the Panel of Experts on Yemen was extended until December 15, 2027. The Secretary-General has been requested to expand the panel to six members, incorporating specialists tasked with monitoring and reporting on maritime security developments in the region.

The resolution emphasized that there is no military solution to the conflict in Yemen, asserting that a sustainable resolution can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and reconciliation. This process must involve the Yemeni government, the Houthi militia, political parties, regional stakeholders, as well as representatives of civil society, women, and youth.

In conclusion, the Security Council underscored the critical necessity of facilitating unhindered humanitarian access and ensuring the continued flow of essential commercial imports into Yemen to mitigate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.