UN envoy warns Yemen peace process at risk amid escalating tensions

HAMILTON, Canada

The UN special envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen voiced concerns on Monday over escalating tensions in Yemen and the broader region, warning that the peace process risks becoming "collateral damage."

"Instead of narrowing differences and building confidence, I am troubled by the apparent growing divergence between the parties. On the economic front, the parties are engaging in unilateral actions that risk further bifurcating the economic system," Hans Grundberg said at a UN Security Council meeting.

Emphasizing the need for a nationwide cease-fire and inclusive political process, Grundberg said: "Unfortunately, momentum towards an agreement was stalled by regional events, which have significantly complicated the mediation space."

"In the absence of a ceasefire in Gaza and a complete termination of attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the threat of further escalation persists," he noted, citing recent developments involving Iran and Israel.

"We cannot risk Yemen’s chance for peace becoming collateral damage," Grundberg cautioned, emphasizing the suffering of Yemeni people, particularly the millions dependent on humanitarian aid.

Highlighting the catastrophic consequences of continued escalation, the UN envoy urged engagement with the parties on the roadmap for peace in Yemen.

"Engagement with the parties on the roadmap and its elements can help to open space for dialogue," he added.

Edem Wosornu, director of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Operations and Advocacy Division, also sounded the alarm on the worsening humanitarian situation in Yemen.

Highlighting the degradation of public services and worrisome economic indicators, Wosornu warned over the reemergence of cholera and severe malnutrition as indicators of the weakened capacity of social services in the country.

"The crisis in a near the Red Sea continues to threaten progress and stability," she added.

Wosornu emphasized the critical need for rapid response to the resurgence of cholera and food insecurity, stating, "Emergency stocks of essential supplies are almost depleted."

She further called upon the Council members to provide urgently needed funding to support millions of Yemenis and improve the effectiveness of humanitarian responses.

Yemen has fallen into civil war since 2014 when Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized much of the country, including the capital, Sanaa, forcing the internationally recognized government to set up an interim capital in the coastal city of Aden.

The UN estimates that in 2024, more than 18 million people, over half the population, will need humanitarian assistance and protection services in Yemen.

According to UN figures, 17.6 million people will be severely food insecure and an estimated 2.7 million women and 5 million children under the age of 5 will need treatment for acute malnutrition.