UN Envoy Highlights Risks of Resurgence in Yemen Conflict Amid…

The UN warns of a potential resurgence in Yemen conflict, with Special Envoy Hans Grundberg emphasizing the concerning current trajectory of the situation. Ongoing military activities, humanitarian funding cuts, and significant challenges facing women and girls highlight the critical humanitarian crisis. The designation of Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization complicates peace efforts, necessitating inclusive dialogue to reach a lasting resolution.

Yemen faces a significant risk of re-escalation into full-scale conflict, according to Hans Grundberg, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen. During a Security Council briefing, he expressed concern over the current trajectory of the situation, which remains precarious after years of fragile truce. The ongoing battle between Houthi rebels and government forces, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, has persisted for more than a decade.

Military activities have not resumed at large-scale since the UN-mediated truce in April 2022; however, an increase in conflict-related rhetoric and military preparedness raises alarms. Mr. Grundberg warned that mixed messaging and heightened tensions could lead to real consequences. He detailed recent reports of shelling, drone attacks, and military mobilization across various regions in Yemen, including Ma’rib and Al Jawf.

The detention of UN personnel by Houthis presents further complications, with calls for their immediate release. “Some colleagues’ parents have passed away while they have been in detention, without knowing the fate of their children,” Mr. Grundberg lamented.

Tom Fletcher, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, highlighted the dire funding cuts impacting humanitarian efforts in Yemen. He described these cuts as a “body blow” to aid workers, indicating that many vital programs have been halted, forcing aid workers to make impossible choices about whom to assist.

As the world approaches International Women’s Day, Mr. Fletcher remarked on the severe impact of the crisis on women and girls in Yemen. With the country ranking near the bottom for gender equality in 2021, he emphasized that progress remains absent. Yemen’s maternal mortality rate is alarmingly high, and 1.5 million girls are out of school, hindering their education and perpetuating cycles of discrimination.

Amid dwindling resources, Mr. Fletcher affirmed the commitment to support women in Yemen, acknowledging the challenging humanitarian landscape. He cautioned that as funding diminishes, future reports will depict a worse situation.

The designation of Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. has complicated peace efforts, but Mr. Grundberg stressed the need for preserving mediation efforts under UN auspices. He affirmed his commitment to encourage dialogue among Yemeni parties, noting that a successful political process must be inclusive of a broad range of Yemenis. Mr. Grundberg concluded by emphasizing a collective responsibility to maintain determination towards achieving peace for the millions affected in Yemen.

In conclusion, Yemen stands on the brink of renewed conflict as outlined by UN Envoy Hans Grundberg. The ongoing humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by funding cuts and the adverse impacts on women and girls, necessitates immediate attention and action. While dialogue efforts continue under the UN framework, the political climate remains challenging. The international community’s engagement is crucial to navigate towards a sustainable peace and support the Yemeni population in overcoming these severe adversities.

Original Source: www.miragenews.com