UN Envoy Hans Grundberg cautioned of a potential resurgence of conflict in Yemen during a Security Council brief. Despite the absence of large-scale military operations since April 2022, tensions are escalating, and humanitarian conditions are dire. Aid funding cuts severely impact relief efforts, particularly affecting vulnerable populations, especially women and girls. Continued international diplomatic engagement is necessary for a just resolution to the ongoing crisis.
The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, expressed grave concerns regarding the potential resurgence of conflict in Yemen during a briefing to the Security Council. He indicated that after several years of a tenuous truce, there exists a palpable fear of returning to full-scale warfare, particularly as military activities persist amid rising tensions between Houthi rebels and government forces supported by a Saudi-led coalition.
Mr. Grundberg noted that, despite the absence of large-scale ground operations since the UN-mediated truce of April 2022, military activities have continued. He remarked on the alarming increase in hostile rhetoric from the conflicting parties as they appear to position themselves for potential military confrontation. He underscored the importance of careful communication, stating that mixed messaging can have serious consequences, while also drawing attention to recent incidents of violence, including shelling and drone attacks across various regions.
On humanitarian grounds, Tom Fletcher, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, highlighted the severe challenges facing aid workers in Yemen due to significant funding cuts, which he described as a serious blow to efforts aimed at saving lives. He asserted that such cuts will result in dire decisions regarding which lives can be saved, reflecting a troubling humanitarian crisis.
Fletcher also brought attention to the troubling situation facing women in Yemen, particularly in relation to gender equality, ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8. He noted that Yemen ranks nearly last on the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index and indicated that the challenges women and girls face have only intensified, with Yemen exhibiting the highest maternal mortality rate in the Middle East.
The ongoing designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US has added complexities to international peace efforts. Mr. Grundberg emphasized the necessity of maintaining a mediation space for Yemenis to achieve a just resolution to the conflict, asserting that any political process must involve a diverse representation of Yemen’s populace. He reaffirmed his commitment to facilitating discussions as opportunities arise, emphasizing a need for stable conditions conducive to peace and reconciliation in Yemen.
The recent warnings from UN officials highlight an urgent need to address the escalating tensions and humanitarian crisis in Yemen. With military activity rising and funding for aid dwindling, the situation remains precarious, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women and children. Continued diplomatic efforts are essential to establish lasting peace and address the severe humanitarian challenges facing the country.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
