Hans Grundberg said in his year-end address to the Security Council on Wednesday that the year 2024 will be marked by great unrest and tragedy in the Middle East region, where many people have suffered enormous losses due to violent conflicts and wars, and the people of Yemen. Also included in this.
“The rapid changes in the last few months in Lebanon and Syria should make it clear to everyone that stability is urgently needed in the Middle East. Yemen also needs stability,” he said.
way of peace
In Yemen, government forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi rebel group have been at war for more than a decade. Yemen is one of the world’s top humanitarian crises and the economic deterioration there is deepening.
In addition, since the start of the war in Gaza, Houthi rebels have fired on commercial ships sailing in the Red Sea and even fired missiles and drones at some Israeli cities. The Houthi rebels are also known as Ansar-Allah.
Hans Grundberg recalled that Yemen has taken several positive steps in recent years, including a UN-brokered ceasefire agreement in 2022, the exchange of two major prisoners of war and commitments made by all parties to further increase peacekeeping efforts under the UN Roadmap 2024.
These steps, he said, “prove that the diplomatic engagement of the United Nations, regional powers and international actors is the most effective way to achieve lasting peace.”
‘Take advantage of this moment’
UN envoy Nav stressed the critical need for concerned parties, the region and the international community to “seize this moment, so as not to miss the opportunity to take concrete steps towards peace”, otherwise the suffering of the Yemeni people will continue.
He said ending the war was an option that was within the reach of the parties. “I call on the parties to actively join my efforts on the roadmap, which will lead to a ceasefire, economic measures such as permanent wage payments and an inclusive political process.”
“I strongly believe it is still possible,” said the Special Envoy. “However, swift action is essential to alleviate the suffering of Yemenis and restore hope for a peaceful future.”
Detention continues, including raids in the Red Sea
Special Envoy Hans Grundberg also reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional release of UN staff and other humanitarian, civil society, diplomatic and private sector workers who have been arbitrarily detained by Houthi rebels for the past six months.
He said the activities of the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and attacks on Israel are continuing, and the US and Britain are also continuing airstrikes in response.
“These developments over the years have reduced the space for my mediation efforts,” he said.
“I would encourage all concerned to take the necessary steps to create an environment conducive to de-conflict in Yemen. Failure to do so will only encourage those who call for a return to war.”