Yemeni Nobel laureate speaks outside UN Security Council after being barred

Tawakkol Karman, the Yemeni human rights defender and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was prevented from addressing the UN Security Council on Thursday. She responded by holding an impromptu press conference outside the chamber, declaring that she would not be silenced.

Denmark, which holds the council's presidency this month, had invited Karman to brief members on the importance of a Yemeni-owned peace process. However, her appearance was blocked due to what Denmark's deputy ambassador, Sandra Jensen Landi, described as "strong opposition." Landi stood beside Karman and expressed deep regret that an independent civil society voice could not be heard.

Speaking to reporters, Karman said the root cause of Yemen's crisis is the collapse of the state. She placed primary responsibility on the Houthi rebels for their 2014 seizure of Sanaa and overthrow of the transitional process. She also cited Iranian military, financial, and logistical support for the Houthis as a factor prolonging the war.

Karman criticised the performance of the internationally recognised government and the interventions of the Saudi-led coalition and the UAE, saying these have weakened state institutions. She warned that renewed clashes, missile attacks, and assaults on Red Sea shipping risk triggering another full-scale war with global consequences.

She called on the Security Council to pressure all parties to de-escalate and protect civilians. Beyond that, she urged support for an inclusive, Yemeni-led political process to restore sovereignty, rebuild institutions, unify security forces, and ensure accountability.

"Yemenis are not asking the international community to build their future for them," Karman said. "They are asking to stand with them, with the Yemenis, as they reclaim their country and build their own future."