HAMILTON, Canada

UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg. on Thursday warned against potential setbacks to the peace process because of the anticipated US designation of the Yemeni Houthi group as a foreign terror organization.

"While clarifications are sought regarding the upcoming US designation of Ansar Allah as a foreign terrorist organization, it is important that our efforts to advance the peace process are protected," Grundberg told the Security Council.

Grundberg stressed to all international actors that "only a political settlement of the conflict will support the Yemenis in their aspirations for lasting peace. It is achievable, it is possible, and it is pragmatic."

Describing the situation in the Middle East as "significant, albeit fragile" amid the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, he said: "We have also seen a cessation of attacks by Ansar Allah on vessels in the Red Sea and targets in Israel."

He noted the release of the crew members of the Galaxy Leader vessel, held by the Houthis since November 2023, as a positive step.

"We must build on this opportunity as a foundation for further de-escalation," he said.

Grundberg expressed concern over continued challenges, including the detention of UN personnel by the Houthis.

Saying that "these detentions are not only a violation of fundamental human rights," Grundberg said it is "also a direct threat to the UN's ability to provide humanitarian assistance to millions in need."

Despite some de-escalation, he pointed to military activity and cited reinforcements moving toward the frontlines and shelling, drone strikes and infiltration attempts by the Houthis.

"I call on the parties to refrain from military posturing and retaliatory measures that could lead to further tension and risk plunging Yemen back into conflict," he said.

On Yemen's economic situation, Grundberg painted a bleak picture and stressed that the government and Houthi-controlled areas are suffering.

"These hardships are symptoms of the failure to achieve a sustainable political resolution. Without the prospect of peace, there can be no prosperity," he said.  

'Political and security decisions should not punish' Yemenis

Grundberg also warned against renewed military escalation, and said that some actors may believe they can achieve better outcomes through war, but "this would be a mistake for Yemen, and a mistake for the stability in the wider region."

He called on regional and international actors to support diplomatic efforts rather than actions that could further inflame tensions.

UN relief chief Tom Fletcher described the situation as "perilous," and said that "19.5 million people need humanitarian support. Millions are hungry and at acute risk of life-threatening illness. Children and women make up more than three-quarters of those in need."

Fletcher noted the suffering of children in stark terms, saying that 3.2 million are out of school, half under 5 are acutely malnourished, and five children under 5 died every hour in 2023, "mainly from preventable or treatable conditions."

Condemning the detention of UN personnel, he said that the "UN and humanitarian partners simply cannot be expected to operate in the absence of guarantees of their ability to return home safely each night."

The insecurity has forced the temporary suspension of humanitarian operations in Yemen's Sa'ada governorate, he added.

Fletcher urged the Council to secure the release of UN staff, ensure funding for humanitarian operations and prevent disruptions to the flow of essential goods into Yemen.

He called on UN member states to not "take actions which hit the access of civilians to essential services. Political and security decisions should not punish affected communities by limiting the flow of essential commodities into Yemen."

"Any severe disruptions to that pipeline --commercial or humanitarian -- will have cascading negative consequences for Yemeni communities already on the precipice of disaster," he said.