United Nations Security Council Resolution 2201 – Middle East (Yemen)
Resolution 2201 (2015)
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 2014 (2011), 2051 (2012) and 2140 (2014) and presidential statements of 15 February 2013 and 29 August 2014,
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen, and its commitment to stand by the people of Yemen,
Supporting the efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council and commending its engagement in assisting the political transition in Yemen,
Deploring the unilateral actions taken by the Houthis to dissolve parliament and take over Yemen’s government institutions, which have seriously escalated the situation, expressing alarm at the acts of violence committed by the Houthis and their supporters, which have undermined the political transition process in Yemen, and jeopardized the security, stability, sovereignty and unity of Yemen,
Emphasizing that the political transitional process agreed upon by the parties in the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue conference, and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement has been undermined,
Expressing grave concern that the Houthis are holding Yemeni government officials, including President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, Prime Minister Khalid Bahah and members of the Cabinet, under house arrest,
Expressing grave concern over reports of the use of child soldiers by Houthi forces, Ansar Al-Sharia, and government forces,
Underscoring the importance of all parties allowing all Yemenis to assemble peacefully without fear of attack, injury, arrest, or retaliation,
Noting the formidable economic, security and social challenges confronting Yemen, which have left many Yemenis in acute need of humanitarian assistance,
Emphasizing the need for the return to the implementation of the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism and the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue conference, including drafting a new constitution, electoral reform, the holding of a referendum on the draft constitution and timely general elections, to avoid further deterioration of the humanitarian and security situation in Yemen,
Reiterating the need for comprehensive, independent and impartial investigations consistent with international standards into alleged human rights violations and abuses in line with the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, to ensure full accountability,
Stressing that the solution to the situation in Yemen is through a peaceful, inclusive, orderly and Yemeni-led political transition process that meets the legitimate demands and aspirations of the Yemeni people for peaceful change and meaningful political, economic and social reform, as set out in the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement, and in this regard reaffirms its full support for, and commitment to, the efforts of the Special Advisor of the Secretary-General on Yemen, Mr. Jamal Benomar,
Condemning the growing number of attacks carried out or sponsored by Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, and expresses its determination to address this threat in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law including applicable human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, and in this regard, through the Al-Qaida sanctions regime administered by the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) and reiterates its readiness, under the above-mentioned regime, to sanction further individuals, groups, undertakings and entities who do not cut off all ties to Al-Qaida and associated groups,
Expressing concern at the ability of Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula to benefit from the deterioration of the political and security situation in Yemen, mindful that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed,
Recalling its determination in resolution 2140 (2014) that the situation in Yemen constitutes a threat to international peace and security,
- Strongly deplores actions taken by the Houthis to dissolve parliament and take over Yemen’s government institutions, including acts of violence;
2. Reiterates its call for all parties in Yemen to adhere to resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation, reject acts of violence to achieve political goals, and refrain from provocation and all unilateral actions to undermine the political transition;
3. Expresses grave concern over the takeover by the Houthis of state media outlets and rejects the use of the media to incite violence;
4. Strongly calls upon all parties, in particular the Houthis, to abide by the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue conference, and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement and its security annex, which provide for a Yemeni-led democratic transition;
5. Urges all parties, in particular the Houthis, to accelerate inclusive United Nations-brokered negotiations, to continue the political transition in order to reach a consensus solution in accordance with the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue conference, and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement and its security annex, and to implement it;
6. Urges all parties to agree upon and announce publicly dates for completing the constitutional consultation process, to hold a referendum on the constitution, and to conduct elections under the new electoral law pursuant to the new constitution;
7. Demands that the Houthis immediately and unconditionally:
(a) engage in good faith in the United Nations-brokered negotiations;
(b) withdraw their forces from government institutions, including in the capital Sana’a, and normalize the security situation in the capital and other provinces, and relinquish government and security institutions;
(c) safely release President Hadi, Prime Minister Bahah, members of the Cabinet and all individuals under house arrest or arbitrarily detained;
(d) refrain from further unilateral actions that could undermine the political transition and the security of Yemen;
8. Demands that all parties in Yemen cease all armed hostilities against the people and the legitimate authorities of Yemen and relinquish the arms seized from Yemen’s military and security institutions, in accordance with the Peace and National Partnership Agreement and its security annex;
9. Calls on all member States to refrain from external interference which seeks to foment conflict and instability and instead to support the political transition;
10. Calls on all parties to abide by commitments to ensure the security of the diplomatic community and its premises;
11. Requests the Secretary-General to continue his good offices role, notes with appreciation the work of his Special Adviser, Jamal Benomar, stresses the importance of the United Nations close coordination with international partners, including the Gulf Cooperation Council, Group of Ambassadors in Sana ’a, and other actors, in order to contribute to the successful transition;
12. Further requests the Secretary-General to continue to coordinate assistance from the international community in support of the transition, and to propose options for strengthening the office of the Special Adviser to enable him to fulfil his mandate, including on United Nations assistance for finalizing and adopting the draft constitution, undertaking electoral reform, holding general elections, and creating mechanisms for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration as well as security sector reform;
13. Requests the Secretary-General to report on the implementation of this resolution, and to continue to report on developments in Yemen, including on the implementation of the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue conference, and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement and its security annex within 15 days after the date of adoption of this resolution and every 60 days thereafter;
14. Declares its readiness to take further steps in case of non-implementation by any Yemeni party of this resolution, in particular paragraphs 5, 6, 7, and 8 above;
15. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
Adopted by the Security Council at its 7382nd meeting, on 15 February 2015.
