On this very special day, International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2023, I want to deliver a special message to the people of Hudaydah and to Yemen. We have endured the scourge of explosive remnants of war and mines for too long.

Already this year, in the first few months, over 50 casualties have been reported from mine accidents in Hudaydah. We have to find a way to stop this.

It is very saddening to think that there are children who haven't yet been born who will suffer from this scourge in the years to come.

Today I want to ensure all the people in Hudaydah that UNMHA will continue to support the parties, and encourage them to remove this terrible threat from the lives of the people of Hudaydah so that the population can live in peace and security.

We must work together to remove this curse. UNMHA will be ready to provide all support, technical advice, and coordination, to help alleviate this problem.

It is important that we act now, that the parties act now, and that we provide this new future.

It is time for action on this International Day of Mine Action. Now is the time.