UN envoy Hans Grundberg warns of a potential return to war in Yemen, citing concerning military activities and rhetoric. Coupled with severe humanitarian funding cuts, the situation remains dire, especially for women and girls. Urgent action is needed to promote peace and address these critical challenges.
The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, highlighted a growing fear of a return to full-scale conflict in Yemen during a briefing to the Security Council. He lamented the “deeply concerning” current trajectory of political developments, as the Houthi rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, continue to battle government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition.
Despite the cessation of large-scale military actions since the UN-mediated truce in April 2022, military activities persist, increasing the risk of renewed hostilities. Grundberg noted the rise in aggressive rhetoric among conflicting parties, stating, “We must not allow this to happen. Words matter. Intent matters. Signals matter.” He reported on various forms of violence, including shelling, drone attacks, and targeted infiltrations in regions such as Ma’rib and Al Jawf.
Moreover, Grundberg condemned the Houthis’ arbitrary detentions of UN personnel and emphasized the urgent need for their release. He remarked on the emotional distress faced by families of detainees, saying, “Some colleagues’ parents have passed away while they have been in detention, without knowing the fate of their children.”
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher discussed the severe impact of recent funding cuts on humanitarian efforts. He described these cuts as having a devastating effect, stating, “It is the pace at which so much vital work has been shut down that adds to the perfect storm that we face.” Such funding shortages force aid workers to make difficult choices about which lives to prioritize in their efforts to save lives.
With International Women’s Day approaching, Fletcher spotlighted a concerning trend of regression in gender equality in Yemen. He reported that Yemen ranked nearly last in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index and that there is no visible improvement for women and girls in the nation. The maternal mortality rate in Yemen is the highest in the Middle East, and 1.5 million girls remain uneducated, which hampers gender equity.
Fletcher cautioned that as funding declines, the humanitarian situation would only worsen, asserting, “The numbers in my next briefings will be worse.” Despite challenges, he affirmed a commitment to support women on the frontlines of survival. He noted, “We will do what we can to support them with the dwindling resources we have.”
The recent US designation of Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization has complicated efforts to promote peace and cooperation. Grundberg emphasized the importance of preserving mediation efforts under UN auspices for a sustainable peace in Yemen. He reaffirmed his commitment to facilitate discussions and urged the need for a political process that includes diverse Yemeni representation, stating, “While this is possible to achieve, the environment for this to happen must be conducive. Positive developments must be put on a more permanent footing.”
In conclusion, the situation in Yemen is precarious, highlighted by the risk of renewed conflict, humanitarian funding cuts, and critical inequalities affecting women and girls. Both Grundberg and Fletcher’s reports stress the urgent need for continued efforts towards peace and equitable humanitarian assistance in Yemen.
The current situation in Yemen is alarming, with a potential resurgence of conflict due to increasing military rhetoric and activities. Humanitarian efforts are severely hindered by funding cuts, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls. Promoting peace requires inclusive dialogue among Yemeni factions and addressing urgent humanitarian needs. Authorities must act decisively to avert further decline in the humanitarian landscape.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
