United Nations: Addressing the Yemen crisis has become more urgent than ever

In his briefing to the Security Council via video today, Wednesday, he said that his message to all parties during his meetings with Yemeni, regional and international stakeholders throughout the region, “It’s the same: we need immediate de-escalation and real engagement for peace. Nearly forty million Yemenis have waited too long.”.

He noted that although he spent most of the past year trying to protect Yemen from regional escalation and focusing attention on the real opportunity to resolve the Yemeni conflict, the context has become increasingly international, with Ansar Allah intensifying its strikes in Israel and continuing attacks in the Red Sea, leading to retaliatory raids on… Yemen from the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel.

Grundberg said: “To date, the escalating cycle of strikes and counter-strikes has hindered the prospects for peace and diverted critical attention and resources away from Yemen.”.

He also confirmed that during his meetings with senior political and military officials in Sana’a, he reiterated the calls previously made by the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, during his recent visit to Sana’a, in which he strongly urged Ansar Allah to immediately and unconditionally release all arbitrarily detained employees. From the United Nations, national and international organizations, diplomatic missions and the private sector.

Escalation on the front lines

The UN Special Envoy to Yemen noted some escalation on several front lines, “Which reminds us that the relative stability and improved security conditions for civilians that have existed since the 2022 truce may be lost.”.

He warned that any further escalation risks undermining existing commitments and would have devastating humanitarian consequences for the Yemeni people, who have already suffered nearly a decade of unimaginable hardship. He urged all parties to refrain from actions that deepen suffering or could undo the progress achieved so far.

Grundberg also touched on the ongoing economic deterioration across Yemen that affects everyone, especially the most vulnerable, noting that while both the Government of Yemen and Ansar Allah have taken steps to address the crisis, “These broader structural challenges must be addressed through cooperation.”.

Wrong calculations

The UN official confirmed that his office continues to facilitate a series of political dialogues that include Yemeni political parties, civil society actors, key stakeholders, and prominent experts. He added that these initiatives prioritize the meaningful participation of women and youth, and ensure that their voices are central to shaping a comprehensive vision for the future of Yemen.

He also noted that his office was working with representatives of the Military Coordination Committee to advance steps towards achieving a nationwide ceasefire. He said that in light of the escalation and uncertainty in the region and the international community, “I am concerned that the parties may re-evaluate their options for peace and make miscalculations based on faulty assumptions.”.

He stressed that the unity of the UN Security Council and its consistent messages to the parties about the importance of a negotiated settlement will be pivotal in the coming months. Grundberg said: “A stable and peaceful Yemen benefits everyone, and efforts must be consistent with the aspirations of its people for peace, dignity and a future free from the shadow of war.”.

Increased attacks on infrastructure

Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Joyce Msuya, briefed members of the Security Council at the same meeting in which she explained that the past month has seen a worrying increase in attacks against critical civilian infrastructure on which millions of people depend for electricity, safe movement and the import of basic foodstuffs. And medical supplies.

She referred to the air strikes that targeted the ports of Hodeidah and Ras Issa on January 10, as well as the attack on Sanaa International Airport on January 26.

She reiterated the Secretary-General’s request that all parties respect international humanitarian law to protect civilians and do everything in their power to avoid targeting the infrastructure on which civilians depend.

Severe humanitarian crisis

Msuya said that people in Yemen are still facing… “A severe crisis in the areas of protection and humanitarian situation”. It reported that nearly half of Yemen’s population – that is, more than 17 million people – are unable to meet their basic food needs, and that the most marginalized, including women, girls, displaced people, and marginalized communities, are the most affected.

She warned that nearly half of children under the age of five suffer from moderate to severe stunting caused by malnutrition, while the spread of cholera has reached horrific levels.

She said that according to the Consolidated Humanitarian Appeal for 2025, which will be released soon, the crisis is getting worse, and that at least 19.5 million people in Yemen need humanitarian assistance and protection this year, which means 1.3 million more people than in 2024.

She noted that she is encouraged to report modest, but sustainable progress in facilitating humanitarian access in Yemen.

A better way forward

The UN official reiterated the call of the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs regarding support for the Security Council on three concrete points: the collective influence of the Council to ensure full respect for international humanitarian law, and support for full humanitarian funding to ensure that the people of Yemen trapped in this decade-long crisis have some hope. And continued and steadfast support for the efforts of the Special Envoy for Yemen to enable the resumption of a peaceful, comprehensive and orderly Yemeni-led political transition.

She concluded her speech to the Council members by saying: “I hope that we can find a better way forward to find a solution to this crisis and that we are willing to work with you in this endeavor.”.