Recent advancements in Yemen have been overshadowed by the negative effects of the Gaza conflict, according to the United Nations’ representative.
Hans Grundberg reminded the Security Council of the consistent advancement in the United Nations’ mediation efforts to address the complicated crisis spanning a decade, which began with the Houthi rebels overthrowing the government in 2014.
The focus of attention has greatly changed since December 2023 because of the conflict between Israel and Gaza and the increase of military activity in the Red Sea.
While I have attempted to separate the peace negotiations from the larger regional circumstances, it is evident that mediation in Yemen cannot be isolated. The events in the surrounding region have an effect on Yemen, and the situation in Yemen can also have consequences for the region,” he stated.
Mr. Grundberg emphasized that regardless of the worsening conditions, initiatives to address the conflict in Yemen will persist. He stressed the importance of maintaining the opportunity for political resolution and maintaining open lines of communication.
Complicated crisis
The conflict in Yemen started in September 2014 with the capture of the capital city, Sana’a, by Houthi rebels. This resulted in the Government being forced to flee and a military intervention by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia to support the Government in early 2015.
The disagreement has led to many people being forced to leave their homes, shortages of food and medical supplies, and an outbreak of cholera. This has caused the UN to classify the situation as the most severe humanitarian crisis in the world, with millions of innocent people in desperate need of help.
Numerous individuals have lost their lives as a result of conflict or lack of food, and approximately 15% of the populace has been forced to leave their homes – many of whom have had to relocate multiple times.
The problem is made more difficult by political turmoil and continued acts of aggression – and, lately, the impact of the crisis in Gaza – intensifying the hardships faced by innocent civilians.
A feeling of impending doom.
Mr. Grundberg expressed concern about recent developments in Yemen, particularly in regards to the economy, public infrastructure, and services, which have created a sense of concern and unease.
He stated that while there are currently more obstacles on the path to peace, his approach to mediation is adaptable and can accommodate various situations and difficulties. He urged for the creation of a solution to de-escalate the crisis.
The speaker emphasized the pressing need for a reduction in regional tensions. They also mentioned the importance of Yemeni parties avoiding military tactics for personal gain and refocusing on maintaining the progress made towards reaching an agreement.
The Special Envoy emphasized that there is no justification for Yemenis to suffer from war, poverty, and oppression.
“Yemenis deserve nothing less. We’ve seen successful peace processes in other contexts unlock many of these gains. And in Yemen, there is a compelling alternative to the path of conflict and economic ruin.”
Hans Grundberg, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, addresses the Security Council during their meeting on the current state of the country.
Humanitarian situation
Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), stated to ambassadors that Yemen continues to face significant and ongoing humanitarian challenges.
By 2024, more than 18.2 million individuals, which is more than half of the total population, will require humanitarian aid and protection services. Additionally, around 11 million of these individuals will be children.
In the entire nation, more than 70% of three-year-olds have not been fully vaccinated, 80% of the people live in poverty, and less than 50% of hospitals are operating at full or partial capacity.
The situation is made more complex by the ongoing conflicts in the Red Sea and the consequences for delivering aid through the Hodeidah and Aden ports.
Ms. Wosornu warned that if urgent and adequate action is not taken, the situation will worsen.
The speaker remembered that the UN had requested $2.7 billion in humanitarian aid to assist 11.2 million individuals in the country affected by war. They called on the international community to increase support and ensure that relief efforts have sufficient funds to reach those in dire need.
Source: news.un.org
