UN human rights move shows KSA’s ‘support for international consensus’ over Yemen

RIYADH: The adoption of a draft Arab resolution by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) shows that Saudi Arabia is supporting “international consensus in Yemen,” the Kingdom’s ambassador to the war-torn country has said.
The UN on Friday agreed to establish a group of experts to examine human rights violations in Yemen’s war and to identify those responsible.
Several Arab states had presented a draft resolution over the issue, which was adopted by consensus without a vote, and which the Yemeni delegation said it accepted.
“The adoption of the Arab draft resolution by the UN Human Rights Council and the withdrawal of Netherlands’ draft resolution confirms that the Kingdom is continuously supporting international consensus in Yemen,” said Mohammed Al-Jaber, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen.
“By agreeing to support the Yemeni National Commission in investigating human rights violations in Yemen, Saudi Arabia reinforces its commitment to the international humanitarian law.
“The adoption of the Arab draft resolution confirms that the Kingdom is keen on ensuring victory for humanity in Yemen and in the world … The UNHRC’s decision is a result of the Kingdom’s tremendous efforts to persuade countries to provide the Yemeni National Commission’s investigation with international support.”
Al-Jaber also endorsed the efforts of the Yemeni National Commission in investigating human rights violations in Yemen. He stressed that the commission must continue to investigate allegations of violations until the legitimacy of the Yemeni government is fully restored. “This will ensure justice for countless victims of human rights violations,” he added.
Abdulmalik Abduljalil Al-Mekhlafi, Yemen’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, welcomed the UN Human Rights Council’s decision, which was announced on Friday in Geneva.
“We have accepted the Arab draft resolution … in order to maintain international consensus in the region,” Al-Mekhlafi said.