Grundberg: Ending the war in Yemen is “an option that is still within the reach of the parties”

In his speech before the Security Council via video link today, Wednesday, Mr. Grundberg said that the recent dramatic developments in Lebanon and Syria should make clear to everyone that the Middle East “There is an urgent need for stability, and Yemen is no exception to that.”

He also referred to the positive steps taken regarding the Yemen file in recent years, including the 2022 armistice agreement, the exchange of detainees, and the commitments made by all parties last year to advance peace efforts under the auspices of the United Nations.

He said it was important for the parties, the region and the broader international community to seize these moments. “And do not miss the opportunity to turn them into clear steps towards achieving the desired peace.” The Special Envoy warned that if this did not happen, the Yemeni people would continue to suffer.

Release of detainees

Six months after the start of a campaign of arbitrary arrests in which Ansar Allah targeted members of international and national organizations, diplomatic missions, civil society and the private sector, Mr. Grundberg called for the immediate and unconditional release of detainees, including members of his team. He stressed that these arbitrary arrests constitute a flagrant violation of basic human rights, “Which causes profound suffering to their families, who live in a constant state of anxiety and fear for the safety of their loved ones.”

He added that his office also remains focused on releasing all detainees as a result of the conflict, some of whom have been in captivity for ten years. He urged all parties to respect their obligations under the Stockholm Agreement and fulfill this important humanitarian issue.

A worsening economic crisis

The Special Envoy noted that the economic crisis in Yemen is worsening, as failure to pay public sector salaries has led to widespread poverty, while rising inflation has put basic necessities out of reach for many families.

He stressed that the parties stand at a critical crossroads: “Either continuing on this disastrous path of unresolved conflict and weaponizing the economy, which will undoubtedly lead to everyone’s loss, or cooperating to resolve economic issues to pave the way towards growth and possible peace gains.”

He said his office is working with stakeholders to explore practical and tangible solutions to restore stability and promote dialogue on Yemen’s economy, including paying salaries and resuming oil and gas exports for the benefit of the population.

Continuing insecurity

Yemen has witnessed extreme instability over the past year over the course of the war in Gaza, including attacks by Ansar Allah in the Red Sea and on Israel, as well as US, British and Israeli strikes on the country. In this context, Mr. Grundberg said that these developments “It reduced the space for mediation efforts.” Which he is making, while clashes are still ongoing along the country’s multiple front lines.

But he said that his office was doing its best to listen and consult with a wide range of Yemenis, who agreed on the need to find a Yemeni-led process that puts the needs of the population at its heart. He added that there is widespread recognition that any future settlement must be comprehensive and ensure representation of all segments of society. And he said: “A peaceful solution in Yemen is possible, and continued international unity and support towards this goal is essential.”

A year full of challenges

For his part, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher said that the year 2024 was full of profound challenges for Yemen, as it was characterized by regional escalation, worsening economic crisis, and increasing threats to the safety and security of UN and humanitarian staff.

In his first address to the Security Council since taking office as UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Fletcher noted that attacks from and on Yemen had threatened to damage critical seaport infrastructure, “endangering the flow of essential food, fuel and other imports on which millions of Yemenis depend.” “at risk, and threatened an unprecedented oil spill.”

In addition, he said that the economic crisis is increasingly pushing families to resort to “Alternative ways of survival, including child marriage.” A cholera epidemic has also spread across the country – affecting more than two hundred thousand people – and floods have displaced more than half a million people during the extreme rainy season as a result of the climate crisis.

In the midst of this scene, the United Nations’ chief humanitarian official said that the lack of funding for relief operations forced vital programs to close, even as the total number of people in need in Yemen rose “since the beginning of the year from 18.2 to 19.5 million.”

Despite the challenges, he said humanitarian workers, working closely with local communities, remained and provided a broad, principled response to some 7.8 million people in 2024. He added: “We will stay and provide support to address human suffering wherever it exists, based on need alone.”

Mr. Fletcher called on the Security Council to use its influence to ensure full respect for international humanitarian law, including ensuring the safety and security of UN and humanitarian personnel, and that Yemeni Red Sea ports remain operational and available for imports by being “A lifeline for millions of people.”

He also called on the Council to support full humanitarian funding to secure the $2.5 billion needed to reach 10.5 million people across Yemen, and to support Special Envoy Grundberg in his efforts to secure a lasting solution to the conflict in Yemen.