The Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, expressed deep concerns about the potential resurgence of conflict during a Security Council briefing. Military tensions are rising despite a truce, with alarming implications for humanitarian efforts, especially for women and girls. Significant funding cuts are adversely affecting aid operations, and the designation of Houthis as a terrorist organization complicates peace initiatives. Urgent international cooperation and support are imperative to navigate the ongoing crisis.
On Thursday, Hans Grundberg, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, expressed concerns regarding the potential resurgence of conflict in Yemen during a briefing to the Security Council. He emphasized the “palpable” fear of return to warfare as the Houthi rebels continue their battles against government forces supported by a Saudi-led coalition. He noted that the current trajectory of the situation is alarming as military activities persist despite a truce established in April 2022.
Mr. Grundberg highlighted the increase in aggressive rhetoric from parties involved in the conflict, urging for restraint. He stated, “We must not allow this to happen. Words matter. Intent matters. Signals matter,” and reiterated the adverse effects of mixed messages and escalating discourse. Reports of shelling, drone attacks, and military mobilization have been noted in various regions, further aggravating the fragile peace.
Additionally, Mr. Grundberg condemned the arbitrary detention of United Nations personnel and other workers, urging their immediate release. He expressed the grave consequences of these detentions, stating, “Some colleagues’ parents have passed away while they have been in detention, without knowing the fate of their children.”
Addressing humanitarian issues, Tom Fletcher, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, highlighted the impact of funding cuts on aid efforts, calling them a “body blow”. He warned that the rapidly diminishing resources force aid workers into dire decisions, potentially leading to lives being left unsupported.
As International Women’s Day approaches, Mr. Fletcher pointed out the crisis’s disproportionate impact on women, illustrating their perilous situation in Yemen. He noted that Yemen ranks second to last in the Global Gender Gap Index and lamented, “there is no sign of progress for them,” highlighting alarming statistics such as the highest maternal mortality rate in the Middle East.
Furthermore, he expressed concern that with diminishing funding, the outcomes for Yemenis are expected to worsen, stating, “the numbers in my next briefings will be worse.” He reaffirmed the commitment to support women amidst the ongoing hardships, reiterating that humanitarian workers are facing increasingly challenging circumstances.
Mr. Grundberg remarked that the recent US designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization complicates peace efforts. He stressed the importance of maintaining mediation space for Yemenis under UN auspices to achieve an inclusive peace, emphasizing that broader participation is essential. He concluded, stating, “We owe it to the millions of Yemenis not to waver or falter in our determination on this.”
The recent briefing on Yemen by Special Envoy Hans Grundberg underscores the growing concerns over the potential re-escalation of conflict in the country, highlighting the dangers posed by aggressive rhetoric from conflicting parties. The humanitarian situation remains grave, particularly for women and girls, exacerbated by funding cuts and systemic challenges. Both Mr. Grundberg and Mr. Fletcher stressed the necessity of continued international commitment to a peaceful resolution and support for vulnerable populations in Yemen.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
