Giving his final summary report for the year, Hans Grundberg noted that 2024 was marked by chaos and enormous tragedy across the Middle East region, where too many people – including in Yemen – had died. suffered profound loss due to violent conflict.
“Given the dramatic developments in recent months in Lebanon and Syria, It is clear to all that the Middle East is in urgent need of stability. This includes Yemen,” he speak.
The path leads to peace
In Yemen, Government forces, supported by a Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels, have been fighting for more than a decade. The country has one of the world’s leading humanitarian crises and a deepening economic recession.
Furthermore, after the start of the war in Gaza, the Houthis – also known as Ansar Allah – fired on commercial ships operating in the Red Sea and even launched missiles and drones at one number of cities in Israel.
Mr. Grundberg reiterated that Yemen has taken a number of positive steps in recent years, specifically a UN-brokered ceasefire in 2022, two major exchanges of detainees involving to the conflict and commitments made by all parties last year to advance peace efforts in accordance with the United Nations roadmap.
He said these actions “prove that Diplomatic engagement of the United Nations, regional powers and international actors remains the most effective path to achieving sustainable peace..”
‘Take advantage of these moments’
The United Nations special envoy emphasized the urgent need for parties, regions and the international community to “Take advantage of these moments so as not to miss the opportunity to take clear steps towards peace,” otherwise the suffering of the Yemeni people will continue.
He believes that ending the war is a choice within the reach of the warring parties.
“I call on all parties to actively participate in my efforts on a roadmap that will deliver a ceasefire, economic measures such as sustainable wages and preparations for an inclusive political process,” he said. ”.
“I firmly believe that this is still possible. However, quick action is required if they want to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people and restore hope for a peaceful future.”
Detention continued, along with attacks in the Red Sea
Mr. Grundberg also reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional release of United Nations staff as well as other humanitarian, civil society, diplomatic and private sector personnel captured by the Houthis. kept arbitrarily for six months now.
He said Houthi activity in the Red Sea and attacks on Israel were continuing, and the United States and United Kingdom continued to conduct airstrikes in response.
“These developments over the past year have narrowed the space for my reconciliation efforts.he said.
“I would encourage all those involved to take the necessary steps to create a favorable environment for the conflict in Yemen to be resolved. Failure to do so will only encourage those calling for a return to war.”
Fragility in Yemen
Meanwhile, the fragile situation in Yemen persists along many front lines, with ongoing outbreaks. This includes recent escalations in eastern Ta’iz and a drone attack on a crowded market that killed six people and seriously injured many others.
“Such incidents highlight the urgent need for a ceasefireHe said, adding that his Office continues to cooperate with military and security officials on both sides.
Committed to peace
Mr. Grundberg said he continues to consult with many sectors of Yemeni society, including organizing a series of dialogues with political parties and co-sponsoring 7th Feminist Summit, held in Aden.
He also reported on his recent engagement with Yemeni and international stakeholders in multiple locations.
“In all of those engagements, I carried the same message: a peaceful solution in Yemen is possible and continued international solidarity and support work toward that goal,” he said. is necessary”.
“Only through shared commitment and decisive action can we create and sustain an environment conducive to effective reconciliation and the realization of sustainable, comprehensive and just peace that our people The Yemeni people expect and deserve it.”
Millions need help: UN relief chief
The Council received an update on the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, where 19.5 million people are in need of help, up from 18.2 million at the beginning of the year.
During the first press conference with the ambassadors, newly appointed United Nations humanitarian coordinator Tom Fletcher speak 2024 is “a challenging year” for the country, with ongoing conflict, regional escalation, a deepening economic crisis and rising threats to safety and security of aid workers.
“Attacks from and into Yemen risk damaging critical port infrastructure; jeopardizing the flow of food, essential fuel and other imports that millions of Yemenis depend on; and threatens an unprecedented oil spill,” he said.
At the IOM Migrant Response Site in Aden, migrants are vaccinated against cholera as part of a nationwide effort to tackle the outbreak.
Fight to survive
He noted that in areas controlled by the Government, Yemen’s currency has continuously reached record lows as oil and gas exports remain hindered. In some places, food costs have increased nearly 30% compared to last year.
Furthermore, basic services have stagnated and families increasingly turn to other ways to survive, including child marriage.
He highlighted other challenges, including cholera outbreak that affected more than 200,000 people and the floods displaced more than half a million people.
Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations face funding cuts that force vital programs to close. Yet they still assisted about 7.8 million people this year despite the setbacks.
“Above all, we will stay and provide support to address human pain whenever and wherever it is found, based solely on need.”he said.
Keep life open
Mr. Fletcher called on the Council to ensure humanitarian routes in Yemen are protected during the conflict.
He called on ambassadors to use their influence to ensure full respect for international law, which includes ensuring critical infrastructure is preserved.
“It is especially important that Yemen’s Red Sea ports remain operational and ready for imports – they are the lifeblood of millions of people,” he said.
He called for full support for humanitarian funding as $2.5 billion is needed to reach more than 10 million people across Yemen.
“Finally, Special Envoy Grundberg must be supported to ensure a lasting solution to the conflict in Yemen. This is what is needed to end the decades-long cycle of humanitarian suffering,” he concluded.
