Yemen is grappling with the aftermath of a protracted internal conflict, heightened regional tensions and an economic crisis. UN: Yemen’s humanitarian situation requires urgent action Peace and Security
During a meeting of the UN Security Council on Wednesday, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher briefed the gathering on the “critical humanitarian situation” in Yemen. UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg completed the picture with a report on political and other developments in the country.
The Aftermath of a Protracted Conflict
Fletcher, who was addressing the Security Council for the first time since taking office, said 2024 was one of the most challenging years for Yemen in recent memory. Yemen is grappling with the consequences of protracted internal conflict, heightened regional tensions and an economic crisis that are worsening the plight of millions of people. Attacks on vital infrastructure, including seaports, threaten the supply of food, fuel and other essential goods, Fletcher said.
Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator of the United Nations Tom Fletcher.
Economic Crisis
The economic crisis has caused the national currency to fall, food prices to rise by 28 percent, and social problems such as child marriage to worsen. Moreover, a cholera outbreak has affected over 200,000 people, and floods have left over half a million residents homeless.
Humanitarian funding is being cut, forcing organizations to close key support programs. More than 19.5 million people are currently in need of assistance, more than at the start of the year.
Millions of Yemenis in Need of Aid
Despite the challenges, humanitarian organizations have provided assistance to 7.8 million people, including health care, food, and living conditions. The UN is also introducing sustainable solutions such as solar-powered water systems and expanding cash assistance programmes that have reached more than 580,000 people.
Funding Humanitarian Operations
Fletcher called on the Security Council to take immediate action to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law and protect critical infrastructure.
The UN representative recalled the need to provide the $2.5 billion requested to help 10.5 million Yemenis, and also called for support for the efforts of the UN Special Envoy for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
“We will stay and help people wherever they are,” he stressed.
Advancing the Peace Process
UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg in his speech emphasized the need for active action to stabilize the situation in the region and advance the peace process in Yemen. “Ending the war is a choice that the parties to the conflict must make,” Grundberg said, calling on the parties to actively cooperate on the “road map” proposed by the UN.
UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg (on screen).
Despite the UN’s efforts, the crisis in Yemen has not yet been overcome. He recalled the recent incidents in the Red Sea and the retaliatory strikes, stressing that such events narrow the space for mediation efforts. Grundberg called on all parties to take steps to create a “favorable environment” for resolving the Yemeni conflict.
Restriction of Civil Space
He also drew attention to the restriction of civil space in Yemen and cases of arbitrary detention. He demanded the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained, including UN and international staff.
“Peace is Possible”
The Special Envoy expressed confidence that peace in Yemen is possible, calling on the international community to support this process. “Only through shared commitment and decisive action can the conditions for effective mediation and sustainable peace be created,” he stressed. Grundberg reaffirmed the UN’s readiness to continue efforts to achieve a just and lasting settlement of the conflict.