Yemen Monitor/Newsroom:
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, reiterated the fragility of the situation in the country, calling for intensified joint efforts to achieve peace, de-escalate military tensions, address economic divisions, and create conditions for comprehensive dialogue among Yemeni parties.
In a briefing to the Security Council, Grundberg stated that regional turmoil continues to undermine opportunities for peace and stability in Yemen. He stressed the need for proactive and pragmatic measures to pave the way for a political settlement.
He outlined his three priorities: supporting de-escalation on the front lines, establishing a roadmap for talks, and continuing to work with the region and the international community to support Yemen’s stability.
The UN envoy expressed concern about a major attack on the Alab front in Sa’dah province and the reinforcement of military positions around the city of Hudaidah, considering these developments to underscore the need for effective de-escalation.
He praised the vital role of the UN-facilitated Military Coordination Committee in preparing for a comprehensive ceasefire.
On the economic front, Grundberg welcomed progress in opening roads, including the one between Al-Bayda and Abyan, and urged further steps to facilitate the movement of people and trade.
He also praised the measures taken by the Central Bank and the internationally recognized Yemeni government to address currency depreciation and stabilize the prices of basic goods. At the same time, he warned against unilateral decisions that deepen economic division, such as the Houthi group’s issuance of new coins and banknotes, which exacerbates the fragmentation of the Yemeni riyal.
On a regional level, the UN envoy called for compliance with Security Council resolutions on the arms embargo, noting the seizure of a large arms shipment off the Red Sea (that was on its way to the Houthis).
He also stressed the need to stop strikes against civilian ships, missile attacks on Israel, and the subsequent Israeli attacks on Yemen. He warned that these developments had almost completely destroyed port facilities on the west coast and placed immense pressure on critical infrastructure.
On the occasion of International Youth Day, Grundberg emphasized the importance of empowering youth to participate in shaping Yemen’s future. He renewed his call for the immediate and unconditional release of 23 UN staff and others from NGOs, civil society, and diplomatic missions, describing their continued detention as unacceptable.
The UN envoy concluded his briefing by affirming that a sustainable solution to the Yemeni crisis is not only possible but urgently necessary, and he thanked the Security Council for its continuous support for UN efforts.
