Attacks on Hodeidah on July 20. Yemen: Houthis intensify crackdown on humanitarian organizations Peace and Security
Since the beginning of the year, events in Yemen have been developing along an unfavorable trajectory, and if the situation does not change, a critical moment may come for the country. UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg stated this to members of the Security Council.
According to Grundberg, the parties to the conflict announced the day before an agreement to weaken control over the banking and transport sectors. As the speaker noted, this was the result of several months of intensive work by his office aimed at finding solutions.
He welcomed the readiness of the parties for dialogue in the economic sphere, however, according to the Special Envoy, Risks of full-scale war remain in Yemen. At the same time, Ansar Allah is intensifying repression against civil society and international organizations, Grundberg emphasized.
He recalled that almost seven weeks have passed since the Houthis detained thirteen UN staff and dozens of workers from international and local organizations, many of whom support the work of the UN. Four more UN agency staff have been detained since 2021 and 2023, the Special Envoy noted.
“I repeat my previous demand that Ansar Allah release them immediately and unconditionally refrain from detaining all other UN personnel, non-governmental organizations and civil society,” he said.
Threats to Humanitarian Work
Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya, in turn, told Security Council members that concerted efforts continue at all levels to release the detainees.
She also expressed concern about other events in recent days, including the Houthi attacks on Tel Aviv and subsequent Israeli strikes on Hodeidah. Msuya stressed that this further increases the risks of regional escalation and the resumption of a full-scale conflict in Yemen. The UN representative reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for all parties concerned to avoid attacks that could cause harm to civilians and damage to civilian infrastructure.
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According to her, detentions and the spread of disinformation targeting the international community are causing alarm among aid workers in Yemen. Without guarantees for the safety and security of staff, as well as respect for humanitarian principles, the UN and partners cannot fully work, she emphasized.
At the same time, it is estimated that half of all children in under five years of age are now experiencing chronic malnutrition or stunting, Msuya warned. According to the data she cited, since the beginning of the year, the level of food insecurity has increased by 14 percent, from 51 percent to 58 percent of the population. In Houthi-controlled areas, nearly 10 percent of households beg to feed their families.