Guterres warns against unilateral measures in Yemen, and strongly condemns the continued arbitrary detention of UN staff

Guterres pointed to the increasing tension in various regions of Yemen, and the dangerous new developments in the eastern governorates that… “Increases tension”as forces affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council advanced towards Hadramaut and Al-Mahra earlier this month.

He said in statements to reporters after participating in a closed meeting of the Security Council, where he briefed the Council on the situation in Yemen following a visit to the region that included the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman: “A full resumption of hostilities could have serious repercussions for regional peace and security, including the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa.”.

He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, reduce escalation, and resolve differences through dialogue, adding that this “Includes relevant regional actors, whose constructive engagement and coordination in support of UN-led mediation efforts is essential to ensuring collective security interests.”.

Guterres said “Yemen needs a sustainable political settlement reached through negotiation, that meets the aspirations of all Yemenis, and puts an end to this devastating conflict.”.

A grave injustice against those who devoted their lives to helping the Yemeni people

The Secretary-General of the United Nations also strongly condemned ‘Continuing arbitrary detention’ For 59 UN colleagues, partners and staff in NGOs, civil society organizations and diplomatic missions. He called for their immediate and unconditional release, in accordance with international law. He explained that in areas under Houthi control, the business environment has become unsustainable.

Guterres referred to the de facto Houthi authorities referring three colleagues to a special criminal court, saying: “This referral must be cancelled, and all charges related to their performance of their official duties at the United Nations dropped.”.

He stressed that “The continued detention of our colleagues represents a grave injustice against all those who have dedicated their lives to helping the Yemeni people.”.

He said that the United Nations and its partners should not be targeted, arrested or detained for performing their official duties, adding: “We should be allowed to do our work without any interference.”.

“The path to peace is still possible”

The UN Secretary-General explained that despite these challenges, the United Nations remains committed to providing life-saving support to millions of people across Yemen.

He reported that this year the United Nations reached more than 5.3 million people in Yemen through food and nutritional assistance, water and health services.

At the conclusion of his statements, Guterres stressed that: “The path to peace is still possible”Despite developments that have made the situation more complicated.

He stressed that the United Nations is committed to supporting the Yemeni people on this path, calling on all parties to engage constructively with his special envoy, give priority to dialogue rather than violence, and avoid any unilateral measures that would inflame this fragile situation.