In a briefing to ambassadors, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg highlighted recent political and security events, especially in the south, showing how quickly stability can deteriorate without a credible, inclusive political process.
“Without a comprehensive approach addressing Yemen’s challenges in an integrated way, the risk of recurring destabilization remains,” Mr. Grundberg stated.
Tensions in the South
Although military de-escalation has occurred recently, the security situation remains fragile, especially after rival deployments in southern governorates. In December, forces linked to the separatist Southern Transitional Council aimed to expand their presence in Hadramout and Al Mahra, while government-aligned forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, moved to reassert control over key infrastructure in early January.
Mr. Grundberg emphasized that the future of southern Yemen cannot be dictated by any single party or through force, urging Yemeni leaders to engage in dialogue. He welcomed President Rashad al-Alimi’s proposal for talks with a broad range of southern leaders as a potential step towards reviving a Yemen-wide political process under UN guidance.
Years of conflict have rendered thousands in Yemen reliant on humanitarian aid. Here, a health volunteer monitors malnourished children in an IDP camp.
Instability Preys on Economy
Political uncertainty is severely impacting Yemen’s economy, with rising prices, unpaid salaries, and declining services eroding household resilience. “Even brief political and security instability can pressure currency, widen fiscal gaps, and stall reforms,” Mr. Grundberg warned. The economic stress is worsened by weak institutions and irregular salary payments, especially in the public sector. He urged Yemeni authorities to protect economic institutions, including the Central Bank, from political disputes, as loss of confidence could further destabilize the country.
Severe Humanitarian Consequences
Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of the Humanitarian Sector for the UN aid coordination office (OCHA), warned that Yemen’s crisis is worsening with rising needs and restricted humanitarian access due to funding shortages. Over 18 million Yemenis, about half the population, will face acute food insecurity soon, with tens of thousands at risk of “catastrophic hunger,” akin to famine conditions. The health system is also failing, with over 450 facilities closed and thousands more at risk. Vaccination programs are threatened, with only two-thirds of Yemen’s children fully immunized due to restricted access in the north. “Millions of Yemeni children are vulnerable to preventable diseases like measles, diphtheria, cholera, and polio,” Mr. Rajasingham said.
Aid Efforts Restricted
Humanitarian operations are further hindered by the detention of 73 UN staff by Houthi authorities, which Mr. Rajasingham called to release immediately. These detentions severely limit aid delivery to areas with about 70 percent of humanitarian needs nationwide. Despite challenges, aid continues where possible. UN partners reached 3.4 million people with food assistance late last year and provided emergency support during floods and disease outbreaks. However, these gains are precarious. “Humanitarian action saves lives,” Mr. Rajasingham stated, “but when access is blocked and funding declines, those gains quickly reverse.”
A wide view of the Security Council as members vote on a resolution regarding international peace and security in the Red Sea, with delegates raising their hands to indicate approval.
Attacks in the Red Sea
Earlier on Wednesday, the Security Council voted to extend for six months the monthly reporting requirement on Houthi attacks against merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The resolution passed with 13 votes in favor, while Russia and China abstained. The mandate was established in January 2024 amid rising Houthi attacks on international shipping linked to the Gaza conflict. It tasked the UN Secretary-General with providing updates on maritime security incidents, their humanitarian and economic impact, and implications for regional stability.
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