Yemen at ‘critical time’ in bid to end eight-year war: UN Special Envoy
“One year after the parties reached an agreement under UN auspices, Yemen is also in a critical period” he said, speaking via videoconference.
“I believe We have yet to see such a significant opportunity for improvement to the end of the war in eight years. But the tide can still change unless the parties take bold steps towards peace,” he warned.
Historical prisoner exchange
Mr. Grundberg noted that although the landmark protest ended six months ago, it continues to show results, and the parties are taking the next steps.
They have also shown that negotiation can be effective. Over the weekend, almost 900 people from all parties, who have been detained in relation to the conflict, were released from prison – the result of meetings held last month in Switzerland under the supervision of the UN.
Meanwhile, many aspects of the landscape retreat continue to be implemented, representing another encouraging sign.
Relatively calm in the midst of conflict
“Yemen is gaining experience the longest period of relative calm still in this devastating war,” he said. “Food, oil and other commercial ships continue to flow into Hudaydah. And commercial flights continue between Sana’a International Airport and Amman. ”
However, he confirmed that this is not enough since the people of Yemen are still living with unimaginable hardship. Also, recent military activity in many governorates is increasing power, which can quickly change the advantages won.
Relationship to peace
Mr. Grundberg noted that while the strike was a major achievement, it was meant to be a temporary measure towards words to end the war.
He continued his commitment to establishing lasting peace and reestablishing the political process, as well as measures to alleviate the dire economic and humanitarian conditions in the country.
He added that talks are still ongoing between the Yemenis and regional experts, including Saudi Arabia and Oman. The UN envoy has also welcomed a statement by the Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers on enhancing cooperation on regional security, issued following a meeting in the Chinese capital, Beijing.
Use the time
Mr. Grundberg stressed that any new agreement in Yemen must be a clear step towards Yemen’s political process, requiring a strong commitment from the parties to meet and negotiate in good faith. He agreed that there is much work ahead to build trust and ultimately achieve peace.
“Reconciliation efforts will always adapt and evolve. But, If the parties allow this period to pass without an agreement, it will be regretted indeed“he said, urging the international community to “double its support to ensure that this delicate and rare opportunity is not lost.”
Provide eternal peace
The top official with the UN’s humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, also called for taking this “unprecedented opportunity to make more progress towards peace” in Yemen.
Ghada Eltahir Mudawi, OCHA’s Deputy Director of Operations and Empowerment, said this could greatly improve lives and reduce suffering.
“We need urgent and decisive action on three fronts: increase funding, unrestricted access and investments to seconomy table. But more than anything, Yemenis need lasting peace. Now is the time to deliver,” he said.
Outbreaks are spreading rapidly
Ms. Mudawi told the Committee that more than 21 million Yemenis need emergency aid, and the recent rains have affected 100,000 people, adding to the numbers.
Although the humanitarian impact has been somewhat limited, severe weather is expected. In addition, 10,000 people have been displaced by the recent growing fighting in Ma’rib and Shabwah governorates.
Meanwhile, measles, polio and other preventable diseases are “spreading at an alarming rate”, and humanitarians fear that an outbreak could quickly escalate. This is especially the case in Houthi-controlled areas, where there are increasing obstacles to vaccination, and misinformation that causes vaccine skepticism.
Restrictions and restrictions
Ms. Mudawi said aid agencies are doing all they can in Yemen. Last year, they were able to avoid the worst, and the number of people facing severe food insecurity dropped from 19 million to 17 million.
It is feared that these benefits may be lost due to funding constraints and a challenging operating environment in the country, which is characterized by “large and chronic access barriers”, mainly in Houthi-controlled areas.
She said Yemeni women aid workers in these areas are currently hampered by travel restrictions, which she has prevent the provision of essential services which only they can send. This has also reduced the ability to reach the most vulnerable areas.
Preparing for tomorrow
Insecurity is another challenge, with humanitarians falling victim to at least two car-jackings in recent months. Two UN staff are still in detention in Sana’a, after 18 months, and five staff who were kidnapped in Abyan last year are still missing.
While funding and access are important now, so must humanitarians prepare for a long timewhich means talking about Yemen’s damaged economy and the drivers who are under interest, Ms. Mudawi said.
Protecting the flow of commercial imports is therefore important. Despite a recent easing of import restrictions – which allowed more food, fuel and other items into the country – humanitarians are concerned about continued obstacles, particularly affecting the movement of goods trade to Houthi areas.
Ms. Mudawi said that more than imports, much more needs to be done to stabilize the economy, such as strengthening income, boosting water conservation efforts and restoring basic services.
He added that the return of oil exports from the regions of the Government is also important, including for the strengthening of foreign currency reserves.
