The UN warns of a looming conflict resurgence in Yemen amid rising military tensions and humanitarian challenges. Special Envoy Hans Grundberg highlighted increasing hostilities and criticized the detention of UN personnel. Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher addressed severe funding cuts affecting aid and emphasized the impact on women’s rights. Both officials urged the international community to commit to an inclusive peace process and support those most affected by the crisis.
In a recent briefing to the Security Council, Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, expressed concerns over the potential resurgence of conflict in Yemen after a fragile truce. He noted that there is a palpable fear of a return to all-out war, as military activities and hostile rhetoric among parties to the conflict increase. The sustained conflict has seen Houthi rebels and government forces, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, engaged in combat for over a decade.
Despite the absence of large-scale ground operations since the UN-mediated truce in April 2022, Grundberg highlighted alarming reports of shelling, drone attacks, and military mobilization attempts in several regions, including Ma’rib, Al Jawf, Shabwa, and Ta’iz. He also criticized the Houthis for the arbitrary detention of UN personnel and other workers, urging for their immediate release, as some have suffered in detention without knowledge of their family members’ well-being.
Tom Fletcher, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, commented on the severe humanitarian constraints resulting from significant funding cuts faced by UN agencies. He stressed that these reductions have severely hampered aid work, leaving aid workers in dire situations where they must choose which lives to save. Furthermore, as the world approaches International Women’s Day, Fletcher condemned the ongoing pushback against gender equality in Yemen, noting the disproportionate effects on women and girls, contributing to dire statistics in education and health.
With 1.5 million girls out of school, Yemen also holds the highest maternal mortality rate in the Middle East. Fletcher warned that as funding continues to decrease, the humanitarian situation will worsen. He asserted that despite overwhelming obstacles, women remain resilient in their survival efforts, and there is a necessity to support them amidst diminishing resources.
Amidst these challenges, Grundberg addressed the designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S., emphasizing the complexity it adds to peace efforts. He reiterated the UN’s commitment to facilitating a comprehensive and inclusive peace process for Yemen that includes a diverse range of Yemeni voices. He concluded by urging the international community to maintain determination in their efforts to support the Yemeni people and bring resolution to this ongoing conflict.
The UN’s recent briefing highlights a precarious situation in Yemen, with rising military activities and humanitarian challenges threatening to escalate conflict. The Special Envoy and Emergency Relief Coordinator underscored the critical state of women’s rights and the devastating impact of funding cuts on humanitarian efforts. To avert further deterioration, the international community must maintain focus on inclusive peace processes and support the vulnerable populations, particularly women, amid overwhelming challenges.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
