The UNSC warns of escalating conflict in Yemen, urging a ceasefire and progress on humanitarian efforts. Special Envoy Hans Grundberg highlights economic decline and humanitarian crises impacting millions, while the representative of the Peace Track Initiative stresses the dual challenges of conflict and climate change. The U.S. designates Houthis as a terrorist organization, with calls for dialogue also raised by other member states.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has raised alarm over the potential for renewed conflict in Yemen, urging involved parties to halt military hostilities and pursue a nationwide ceasefire. Hans Grundberg, the Special Envoy for Yemen, reported severe economic decline, highlighting the significant drop in GDP per capita and the depreciation of the Yemeni rial. Despite the ceasefire initiated in April 2022, military engagements continue, amplifying concerns over escalation.
Mr. Grundberg underscored the persistent humanitarian challenges as funding diminishes, warning that such cutbacks jeopardize the lives of millions, especially women and children. He noted that 9.6 million women and girls urgently require assistance, while substantial numbers remain out of school. However, he acknowledged local women-led organizations’ resilience in addressing these crises.
During the briefing, Nesmah M. Ali from the Peace Track Initiative highlighted the compounded crises of conflict and climate change, stating that environmental degradation has severely affected Yemen. Her personal narrative as a migrant underscores the profound effects that war and climate conditions have on individuals, especially women who are disproportionately burdened by these challenges.
In discussions, various UNSC members condemned the Houthis’ detentions of UN personnel and expressed concern over a World Food Programme staff member’s death in captivity. Delegates from Panama, France, and the United Kingdom called for respect for humanitarian personnel and safety amid rising tensions.
The United States announced its designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, asserting a determination to curtail their capabilities while also ensuring humanitarian access remains intact. Contrarily, members such as the Russian Federation and Pakistan advocated for dialogue as essential for a peaceful resolution, underscoring the necessity of inclusive discussions.
The conversation also focused on the critical connection between conflict and environmental degradation. Denmark’s representative urged the integration of climate considerations into peacebuilding efforts, stating Yemen’s vulnerability to climate change necessitates urgent action on multiple fronts including water security. Furthermore, delegates from Slovenia and Sierra Leone echoed the need for heightened support for humanitarian efforts and called for a sustainable response to the crisis.
The discussion at the UNSC reveals a grim picture of Yemen’s humanitarian situation as military tensions persist alongside severe economic and environmental crises. While calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance are paramount, the complexities of the conflict are exacerbated by climate change and political tensions. The need for inclusive dialogue and urgent aid remains critical to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni population and work toward a sustainable resolution to the decade-long conflict.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
