UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg briefed Yemen’s Houthi rebel fighters on activities fueling the military conflict. He said that last year, in support of the military action of Hamas in Gaza, Houthi rebels attacked international ships in the Red Sea, in response to which many countries, including America, Britain, Israel, took military action.
All of these attacks have caused severe damage to civilian infrastructure and disrupted humanitarian aid operations, including Yemen’s Red Sea port and Sana’a International Airport.
UN emergency relief coordinator Joyce Masua said protecting infrastructure essential to humanitarian relief efforts is vital. He said disruptions to humanitarian operations had “directly caused massive suffering and suffering to civilians”.
serious humanitarian consequences
The humanitarian impact of the conflict has been such that almost half of Yemen’s population – more than 17 million people – are unable to meet even their basic food needs.
Part of this is due to a drastic reduction in operations at the port. Two-thirds of Yemen’s food and 90 percent of medical supplies depend on imports – mainly through the Red Sea port of Hudaydah.
Due to the escalation of fighting following the involvement of the Houthis (formerly known as the Ansar Allah group) in the Gaza conflict, goods imported through the ports have dropped to only 30 percent of their full capacity.
Meanwhile, cholera outbreaks and malnutrition disproportionately affect women, children and marginalized vulnerable groups.
way of peace
Both senior officials came together and insisted on immediate action. Hans Grundberg said, “To a large extent, regional stability depends on peacekeeping in Yemen.
He called for a firm commitment from all parties to achieve a nationwide ceasefire and resolve Yemen’s economic challenges. These include consolidating the central bank and resuming oil exports.
His office launched a series of political dialogues to develop an inclusive vision for Yemen’s future, prioritizing the meaningful participation of women and youth.
“These efforts are crucial to laying the foundation for a broader political process,” he said.
He called attention to the deep suffering of their families and called for the immediate release of the arbitrarily detained.
Demand immediate action
Joyce Masua called on the Security Council to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, protect critical infrastructure and provide adequate funding for humanitarian operations.
Expressing cautious optimism, he said, “modest but steady progress” was being made in ensuring access for humanitarian action. It also noted crossing the frontline in the disputed southern city of Taiz for the first time since 2016.
Hans Grundberg said, “This Council’s consistent message on the importance of unity and an amicable agreement for all parties will be very important in the coming months.
Both senior officials stressed that a lasting political solution is the most practical way to end Yemen’s suffering.