According to reports, the Houthi rebels, who have been fighting with the internationally recognized pro-government coalition, since 2015, have refused to participate in the talks, because of the summit venue.
In addition to calling for talks to be held in a neutral country, the Houthis (officially known as Ansar Allah) want the coalition to allow the reopening of Sanaa airport and the lifting of restrictions on the land’s ports. country.
“I firmly believe in strengthening the United Nations’ cooperation with regional organizations to promote peace and security,” Special Envoy Hans Grundberg told Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – a six-nation organization comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
He welcomed “all diplomatic initiatives” that support United Nations efforts to resume Yemen’s internal political process and “end suffering” caused by the conflict.
The social structure collapsed
Yemenis from different sides of the conflict have not engaged in face-to-face discussions of a comprehensive political solution since 2016.in Kuwait.
And over the years, the harm caused by war has continued to accumulate.
Mr. Grundberg painted a picture of state institutions being eroded, citizens living without basic services and Yemenis suffering severe restrictions on their movement.
War has killed, wounded and displaced civilians, and weakened the national economy, he said.
“The young generation is being deprived of their future. Deteriorating economic and humanitarian conditions have disproportionately affect women, children and disadvantaged groups.“.
The longer the conflict lasts, the more severe the impact and the harder it will be to reverse the damage.
Create a way forward
To help the people of Yemen chart a “clear path” out of the crisis, the UN special envoy is developing a Framework that outlines “a multi-path process,” encompassing economic, military and political priorities. politics as well as an inclusive political solution.
“Earlier this month, I launched a series of structured consultations to identify short-term and long-term priorities for this multi-path process,” he said, adding that he was “encouraged by the enthusiastic participation” of Yemeni political parties, constituents, experts and civil society representatives in this process.
A common message
Across countless voices, a common message emerges: Yemenis wants the war to end and a just and lasting peace to prevail.
Mr. Grundberg relayed that both sides wanted “an immediate end to hostilities and measures to minimize the impact of the conflict on civilians”.
Furthermore, they welcomed his Office’s launch of an economic approach to address widespread humanitarian and economic conditions.
“I will continue my consultations in the coming weeks and I hope representatives of all the main Yemeni groups will participate,” he said.
© UNOCHA / Mahmoud Fadel-YPN
Internally displaced family at an IDP site in Al-Dhale’e Governorate, Yemen.
Armistice in the month of Ramadan
In parallel with the consultation and de-escalation of the conflict, the United Nations official has shown a positive development.
“Yemen needs an armistice“, he asserted, informing the participants that for more than two months he had engaged the participants “with a sense of urgency” to reach an agreement, before the month of Ramadan.
The peace proposal includes easing the fuel crisis and facilitating freedom of movement – providing some immediate relief to the people of Yemen, especially during the month of fasting.
Commenting on the Saudi-led coalition’s temporary ceasefire, Mr. Grundberg said that “The recent unilateral announcements by the parties of the cessation of military activities are a step in the right direction“.
Find the solution
He expressed hope that during the meetings of the GCC, which runs until April 7, “solutions can be found” to some of the serious economic challenges facing Yemen and improved the State’s institutions. country.
“Yemen needs more support, including from neighboring GCC countries, to improve basic services, including access to electricity, to ensure security and to stabilize the economy,” he said.
And he supports discussions to help increase momentum towards bringing the Yemeni parties back to the negotiating table under the auspices of the United Nations.
© WFP / Hebatallah Munassar
Two women collect firewood for cooking in Mokha, Yemen.
Look to the future
Concluding, Mr. Grundberg shared that he wanted the discussions to convey a “real sense of urgency” about the need for dialogue, compromise and commitment towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict as well as a future. future where the people of Yemen can “coexist with equal citizenship” and begin the process of national reconciliation.
He wants a future of responsible governance, state institutions that serve citizens equally, and a place where the human rights of Yemenis are respected and economic and social justice guaranteed. festival.
“By working together, the international community can help bring Yemen closer to such a peaceful futureThe UN special envoy concluded.
