UN Envoy Stresses Urgent Need for Peace in Yemen Amidst Regional Turmoil
Delivering his final briefing for 2024, UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg highlighted the year’s devastating toll on the Middle East, marked by violent conflicts that have brought immense suffering, including in Yemen. He emphasized that recent crises in Lebanon and Syria underscore the urgent need for stabilization throughout the region, Yemen included.
“With the dramatic developments in Lebanon and Syria, it should be clear to everyone that the Middle East requires urgent stabilization measures, and Yemen is no exception,” said Grundberg in an address to the UN Security Council.
—
Pathway to Peace in Yemen
Yemen’s decade-long conflict has pitted government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition against Houthi rebels. The nation continues to suffer one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, compounded by severe economic decline. Tensions have escalated further as Houthis have targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea and launched attacks on Israeli cities following the outbreak of war in Gaza.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Grundberg noted progress in recent years, including a UN-brokered truce in 2022, multiple detainee exchanges, and commitments from all parties to support peace under a UN roadmap. “These actions demonstrate that diplomatic engagement by the UN, regional powers, and international actors remains the most effective path to achieving sustainable peace,” he stressed.
—
Seizing Opportunities for Peace
Grundberg urged all parties, regional players, and the international community to seize existing opportunities to advance peace. “We must capitalize on these moments to take concrete steps towards peace; otherwise, the suffering of the Yemeni people will persist,” he warned.
He outlined the roadmap for peace, calling for a ceasefire, economic measures such as the sustainable payment of salaries, and preparations for an inclusive political process. “Ending the war is a choice within reach,” he said. “But swift action is imperative to alleviate the suffering of Yemenis and restore hope for a peaceful future.”
—
Ongoing Challenges: Detentions and Red Sea Attacks
The UN envoy condemned the continued arbitrary detention of UN staff and other personnel by the Houthis, which has persisted for over six months. He also criticized ongoing Houthi military activity in the Red Sea and missile strikes targeting Israel, which have prompted airstrikes by the United States and United Kingdom.
“These developments have significantly constrained the space for my mediation efforts,” Grundberg lamented, urging all involved to take steps to foster a conducive environment for resolving the conflict. “Failure to act will embolden those advocating for a return to war.”
—
Fragility Within Yemen
Inside Yemen, violence continues along several frontlines, including recent escalations in eastern Ta’iz and a deadly drone attack on a crowded marketplace that left six dead and many wounded. “Such incidents underscore the urgent need for a ceasefire agreement,” said Grundberg, who is actively engaging with military and security officials to address the situation.
—
Renewed Commitment to Peace
Grundberg affirmed his dedication to consulting a broad spectrum of Yemeni society, including political parties and women’s groups, to foster dialogue. He reported ongoing engagement with Yemeni and international stakeholders to push for a peaceful resolution.
“In all my engagements, I carry the same message: peace in Yemen is possible, but international unity and support are vital,” he stated. “Only through shared commitment and decisive action can we achieve the inclusive, sustainable, and just peace that the Yemeni people deserve.”
—
Dire Humanitarian Crisis: Millions in Need
UN Humanitarian Coordinator Tom Fletcher provided a sobering update on Yemen’s deepening humanitarian crisis. The number of people in need has risen to 19.5 million, up from 18.2 million at the start of the year. Fletcher described 2024 as a year of relentless challenges, marked by ongoing conflict, regional escalations, economic collapse, and increased threats to aid workers.
Attacks on Yemen’s vital seaports and disruptions to food and fuel imports have endangered millions, while the looming threat of an oil spill poses an unprecedented environmental risk. In government-controlled areas, the economic situation has worsened, with skyrocketing food prices, failing basic services, and rising child marriage rates as families struggle to survive. Additionally, a cholera outbreak has affected over 200,000 people, and floods have displaced more than half a million.
Despite facing severe funding cuts, humanitarians have supported 7.8 million people this year. “Above all, we will stay and deliver support to address human suffering wherever it exists,” Fletcher pledged.
—
Protect Humanitarian Lifelines
Fletcher called on the Security Council to ensure the protection of humanitarian lifelines in Yemen, urging respect for international law and sparing critical infrastructure from conflict. “Yemen’s Red Sea ports are lifelines for millions of people. It is critical they remain operational and accessible for imports,” he stressed.
Appealing for
Leave a Reply