Grundberg After Meeting Houthi Delegation: Targeting Our Staff Puts Relief Work at Risk
Yemen Monitor – Newsroom:
UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg warned that the Houthis’ continued detention of UN employees and raids on its offices undermine the UN’s ability to deliver humanitarian aid to millions of Yemenis.
During a visit to Muscat on Tuesday, Grundberg met with the group’s chief negotiator, Mohammed Abdulsalam, as well as Omani officials and foreign diplomats. He stressed the need for the “immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN, humanitarian, and diplomatic mission staff.”
The UN envoy said these measures “not only threaten the safety of UN personnel, but also put humanitarian operations and life-saving services in Yemen at grave risk,” emphasizing that respecting the immunity and sanctity of UN staff and premises is “a fundamental obligation for all parties.”
Grundberg also expressed his “deep concern” over rising tensions between the Houthis and Israel, warning of their repercussions on Yemen and the wider region. He called for de-escalation, restraint, and the protection of civilians and infrastructure.
He affirmed that the United Nations “will remain a steadfast partner to the Yemeni people in their pursuit of peace,” stressing that any further escalation would undermine prospects for reaching sustainable political solutions.
