In a hopeful yet cautious address to the United Nations Security Council, Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, presented a roadmap to end the decade-long conflict in the country. His message emphasized that while the path to peace remains challenging, a political solution is still achievable with the right commitment, courage, and action from all parties involved.
The Road to Peace: A Fragile Yet Possible Resolution
The conflict in Yemen, which began in 2014, has been a devastating struggle between the Houthi rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, and the internationally recognized Yemeni government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition. The war has not only caused immense loss of life but also created a dire humanitarian crisis.
However, Grundberg remains optimistic about the potential for peace, urging all sides to seize the current opportunity for a political solution. “A lasting peace is still possible in Yemen, but it requires the full commitment of all parties involved,” he stated during his briefing. “What is clear is that only a political settlement will support Yemenis in their aspirations for lasting peace.”
Recent Positive Developments Amid Continued Hostilities
While the conflict rages on, there have been recent developments that offer some hope for de-escalation. Grundberg pointed out that, despite the ongoing military operations, there have been signs of a fragile reduction in hostilities. He referred to a ceasefire in Gaza and a reduction in Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea as positive steps that could lay the groundwork for broader peace efforts.
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The release of the crew of the Motor Vessel Galaxy Leader, which had been detained by the Houthis, was also noted as a welcome sign of potential cooperation. “This reduction in hostilities is a welcome relief,” Grundberg said, calling on the international community to build on these developments and push for further de-escalation.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens: The Importance of Protecting Aid Workers
One of the most urgent concerns voiced by Grundberg and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher is the worsening humanitarian crisis. Yemen remains one of the poorest and most conflict-ridden countries in the world, with nearly 19.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
Fletcher highlighted the tragic death of a World Food Programme (WFP) staff member while detained by Houthi forces, underscoring the severe risks that aid workers face in the region. “The safety of our staff is paramount,” Fletcher said. “The growing number of arbitrary detentions and the increasing risk to humanitarian workers are major obstacles to providing critical aid to those in need.”
The Houthis have been holding UN and international NGO staff, including humanitarian workers, diplomats, and civil society members, for extended periods. These detentions have not only violated basic human rights but also posed a direct threat to the UN’s ability to deliver essential services to millions of Yemenis.
Military Escalation Threatens Further Chaos
While Grundberg remains hopeful about a peaceful resolution, he expressed deep concern over ongoing military activities. Recent reports of increased movement of reinforcements and military equipment towards the frontlines, as well as continued drone strikes and artillery attacks, suggest that the conflict is far from over.
“The escalation of military activities in various parts of Yemen is deeply troubling,” Grundberg said. “I call on all parties to refrain from military posturing that could provoke further tension and risk pushing Yemen back into full-scale conflict.”
A resurgence in military operations would not only deepen the humanitarian crisis but also jeopardize the fragile peace that remains possible through political dialogue.
Economic Strain and Its Impact on Yemenis
The economic situation in Yemen is dire, exacerbating the difficulties faced by ordinary Yemenis. Grundberg highlighted the continued depreciation of the Yemeni Riyal and the soaring prices of basic goods, which have made it increasingly difficult for people to survive.
In the southern city of Aden, which remains under government control, residents experienced a three-day power outage, which prompted public protests. “These economic hardships are a direct result of the failure to achieve a sustainable political resolution,” Grundberg explained. “Without peace, there can be no prosperity.”
Both government-controlled and Houthi-controlled areas are experiencing these severe economic strains, which are affecting the population’s ability to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical care. Without a political resolution, Yemen’s economic woes will only continue to worsen.
US Redesignation of Houthis as a Terrorist Organization
Adding complexity to the peace process is the recent decision by the United States to re-designate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, effective within the next month. While this move may have geopolitical implications, Grundberg emphasized the importance of not letting it derail efforts to reach a political settlement.
“It is crucial that our peace efforts continue without interference,” Grundberg warned. “A military solution will not end the suffering in Yemen. Only dialogue and diplomacy can bring an end to the conflict.”
The Roadmap for Peace: Ceasefire and Inclusive Negotiations
Grundberg reaffirmed that the roadmap for peace laid out by the UN provides a framework for the way forward. The first critical step in this plan is the implementation of a nationwide ceasefire, which would then pave the way for a structured political process through inclusive negotiations under the UN’s guidance.
He emphasized that a peace agreement is not just possible but necessary, urging both the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels to engage in good faith negotiations. “A sustainable resolution is still achievable,” Grundberg stated. “But this will require tangible actions from both sides to turn commitments into reality.”
The Human Cost: Millions of Yemenis in Need
Fletcher, the UN’s top aid official, painted a grim picture of the humanitarian situation in Yemen. “The scale of need in Yemen is staggering,” he said, noting that 64% of the population is unable to meet their minimum food needs. The situation is expected to worsen due to rising food prices and the lean season, which will likely drive up the number of people suffering from hunger and malnutrition.
In addition, approximately 3.2 million children are out of school, and half of all children under the age of five suffer from acute malnutrition. The death rate among young children is heartbreaking, with an average of five children dying every hour from preventable or treatable conditions. “This is a crisis that requires urgent action,” Fletcher urged.
Challenges in Delivering Aid
Despite the growing risks, the UN and other humanitarian organizations continue to provide aid to Yemen’s vulnerable populations. However, the detention of staff and security concerns in certain regions, such as Sa’ada governorate, have forced the UN to temporarily pause operations in those areas. “We face many challenges, but we are committed to continuing our work in Yemen,” Fletcher stated.
The UN and its partners are calling for increased support from the international community to ensure the safety of aid workers and the continued delivery of humanitarian assistance. “We need to protect those who are working to save lives,” Fletcher stressed. “Our efforts to provide aid must not be hindered by political or security decisions.”
A Call for Global Support
As the situation in Yemen continues to unfold, both Grundberg and Fletcher made a compelling case for international support. “The road ahead will be difficult, but peace is still within reach,” Grundberg concluded. “With the right political will and international cooperation, we can bring an end to this conflict and build a brighter future for the people of Yemen.”
The call for greater international engagement in Yemen’s peace process is critical. With millions of lives at stake, the world must act decisively to support Yemen’s journey toward peace and recovery.
