In his final briefing of the year, Hans Grundberg noted that 2024 has been a year of great turmoil and tragedy across the Middle East, with too many people, including in Yemen, suffering significant losses due to violent conflict.
“With the dramatic developments in Lebanon and Syria over the past few months, It is clear to everyone that stabilization in the Middle East is urgent.. “This includes Yemen,” he said.
road to peace
In Yemen, government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels have been fighting for more than a decade. The country is experiencing one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises and its economy is worsening.
Moreover, since the start of the Gaza war, the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, have opened fire on merchant ships traveling in and out of the Red Sea and have even launched missiles and drones at some Israeli cities.
Mr. Grundberg recalled that Yemen had taken several positive steps in recent years, including a UN-brokered 2022 ceasefire agreement, two major exchanges of conflict-related detainees, and commitments from both sides to advance peace efforts in line with the UN roadmap. I did it. .
He said these actions “show it.” Diplomatic engagement by the United Nations, regional powers, and international actors remains the most effective path to achieving sustainable peace..”
‘Take advantage of this moment’
The UN Special Envoy emphasized that it is very important for States parties, the region and the international community to:Take advantage of this moment “So as not to miss the opportunity to take clear steps toward peace,” he said. Otherwise, the suffering of the Yemeni people will continue.
He said ending a war depends on the choice of the warring sides.
“I urge the parties to actively participate in my efforts on a roadmap that includes power cuts, economic measures such as sustainable wage payments, and preparation for an inclusive political process,” he said.
“I firmly believe that this is still possible. But quick action is needed “If we want to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people and restore hope for a peaceful future.”
Detentions Continue as Red Sea Attacks
Prime Minister Grundberg also reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional release of UN staff and other humanitarian, civil society, diplomatic and private sector personnel who have been arbitrarily detained by the Houthis for six months.
He said Houthi activity in the Red Sea and attacks against Israel were ongoing and the US and UK were continuing to launch airstrikes in response.
“These developments, which have continued throughout the year, have left less space for mediation efforts.“He said.
“I would encourage everyone involved to take the necessary steps to create an environment conducive to resolving the conflict in Yemen. Failure to do so will only encourage those who call for a return to war.”
Yemen’s vulnerability
Meanwhile, the fragile situation inside Yemen continues on multiple fronts and the situation continues to be explosive. This includes a recent escalation in the eastern city of Taiz and a drone attack on a crowded market that left six people dead and many more seriously injured.
“These events highlight the urgent need for a ceasefire agreement.“He said, adding that his office continues to work with military and security officials on both sides.
promise peace
Mr Grundberg said he was continuing to consult with the wider Yemeni community, including holding a series of dialogues with political parties and co-sponsoring World War 7.Day Feminist Summit in Aden.
He also reported on recent engagements with Yemenis and international stakeholders in various regions.
“In all my engagements, I have delivered the same message: that a peaceful solution to Yemen is possible and that continued international unity and support toward that goal is essential,” he said.
“Only through shared commitment and decisive action can we create and sustain an environment conducive to effective mediation and the sustainable, inclusive and just peace that the Yemeni people aspire for and deserve.”
Millions in need: UN aid chief
The Council received updates on the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. The number of people in need in Yemen has increased to 19.5 million, up from 18.2 million at the beginning of the year.
Newly appointed UN Humanitarian Coordinator Tom Fletcher said in his first briefing to ambassadors that 2024 was a “very difficult year” for the country due to ongoing conflict, regional escalation, deepening economic crisis and increasing threats to the safety and security of aid workers. said. .
“Attacks in Yemen risk damaging critical port infrastructure. It threatened the flow of essential food, fuel and other imported goods on which millions of Yemenis depend. “It threatened an unprecedented oil spill,” he said.
At IOM’s Migrant Response Point in Aden, migrants receive cholera vaccines as part of a nationwide effort to combat the cholera outbreak.
struggle for survival
He noted that Yemen’s currency has hit consecutive lows as oil and gas exports from areas under government control remain hampered. In some areas, food costs have increased by almost 30% compared to last year.
Moreover, basic services have become unstable and families are increasingly turning to alternative ways of survival, including child marriage.
He highlighted other challenges: Cholera outbreak It affected more than 200,000 people and floods left more than 500,000 homeless.
Meanwhile, humanitarians face the disruption of critical programs due to funding cuts. Nonetheless, despite their disabilities, they supported approximately 7.8 million people this year.
“Above all, we will stay and provide support to address human suffering as needed, wherever and whenever it is found.“He said.
Keep your lifeline open
Mr Fletcher appealed to the council to ensure that Yemen’s humanitarian lifelines are protected during the conflict.
He urged ambassadors to use their influence to ensure full respect for international law, including protecting critical infrastructure.
“It is particularly important that Yemen’s Red Sea ports remain operational and imports available. – It is a lifeline for millions of people,” he said.
He called for full support for humanitarian funding, saying $2.5 billion is needed to reach more than 10 million people across Yemen.
“Finally, Special Representative Grundberg must be supported to secure a lasting solution to the conflict in Yemen. “This is essential to end a decade of humanitarian suffering,” he concluded.
