The UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg warned on Monday of the perilous consequences of overlooking Yemen’s fragile stability amidst the broader regional crisis.
Grundberg said in his latest briefing to the United Nation Security Council “We cannot risk Yemen’s chance for peace, becoming collateral damage“ adding “If we leave Yemen’s political process in the waiting room and continue down this path of escalation, the consequences could be catastrophic, not only for Yemen, but also for the wider region”.
Grundberg said “While past years had seen the parties agree to ceasefires and release detainees, this year witnessed a stark departure from such hopeful gestures, with detainees remaining in custody and further civilian casualties, including women and children.
“Instead of narrowing differences and building confidence, I am troubled by the apparent growing divergence between the parties,” he said, noting their unilateral actions that risk further bifurcating the economic system.
Against the backdrop of protracted political and security crisis, the humanitarian situation across Yemen remains dire with the reemergence of cholera and escalating levels of severe malnutrition.
Also briefing the Security Council, Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), highlighted that the most vulnerable Yemenis, including women, girls, displaced persons and marginalized groups, continue to depend on humanitarian aid for survival.