Entrenched positions, growing challenges hinder Yemen peace efforts: UN envoy

HAMILTON, Canada

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg renewed his call on Wednesday for a political resolution, as he warned about the worsening economic conditions and growing mistrust among parties.

"Across Yemen, the general economic degradation reinforces how urgently Yemen requires a political path to allow for the collaboration needed for economic growth," Grundberg told the Security Council.

He acknowledged concerns that "amidst so much upheaval and so much mistrust, a political process is an unrealistic and naive goal." He said, however, that the “fact is that the parties have already committed to the basis of what should be the beginning of a political process in Yemen: a nationwide ceasefire, measures to address urgent economic and humanitarian issues and an inclusive political process."

Grundberg warned that "as time passes, the positions become further entrenched and challenges become more complex."

Highlighting ongoing violations, he condemned the "unlawful, arbitrary and prolonged detention by Ansar Allah (Houthis) of UN staff as well as those from international and national NGOs, civil society, and diplomatic missions."

"I hope Ansar Allah will hear very clearly what I am saying: Change course. Release the remaining detainees immediately without conditions. Bring this unacceptable situation to an end," he said.

Grundberg emphasized that "the collective global membership of the United Nations has conferred upon this Council the primary responsibility for the maintenance of peace and security."

"We must therefore redouble our efforts to offer a credible alternative to war and a vision for Yemen beyond status quo and stagnation," he added.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher echoed Grundberg's demand, and warned that "Yemen is not out of the woods," with half of the country's children, 2.3 million, malnourished, including 600,000 severely.

"We are running out of time and resources. Yemen’s 2025 humanitarian response plan is barely 9% funded -- less than half of what we received at the same time last year," he said.

Fletcher urged the Council to "take action to ensure respect for international humanitarian law," "provide scaled-up, flexible funding to sustain critical aid operations," and "back efforts towards lasting peace."

Yemen remains mired in one of the world’s worst humanitarian and economic crises, fueled by nearly a decade of war between government forces and the Houthis.

The war has claimed more than 150,000 lives and has led to one of the worst humanitarian crises globally, resulting in tens of thousands of additional deaths.