UNITED NATIONS, April 15 (Xinhua) -- As regional tensions escalate, Yemen's crisis has become deeply entangled with broader geopolitical issues, the UN special envoy for the country emphasized on Monday.

Hans Grundberg highlighted the critical need for de-escalation, cautioning against the dangerous repercussions of neglecting Yemen's delicate stability amid escalating regional conflicts.

"We cannot risk Yemen's chance for peace, becoming collateral damage," he said during a briefing to the UN Security Council.

"If we leave Yemen's political process in the waiting room and continue on this path of escalation, the consequences could be catastrophic, not only for Yemen but also for the wider region," Grundberg warned.

Grundberg expressed concerns about the potential for increased conflict, especially as hostilities persist in Gaza.

"The recent developments involving Iran and Israel underscore the urgency of this matter," he stated, emphasizing the need for the region to pursue coexistence with the help of international support, focusing on building trust incrementally, ensuring mutual security, and moving away from a zero-sum approach where victories come at the expense of others.

Meanwhile, inside Yemen, the situation remains unstable with Houthi rebels, also known as the Ansar Allah movement, continuing their assaults on both commercial and military targets.

Grundberg also noted the missed opportunities for peace during the holy month of Ramadan, a time historically conducive to reconciliation.

While previous years had seen agreements on ceasefires and detainee releases, this year marked a significant deviation, with ongoing detentions and increased civilian casualties, including women and children.

"Instead of narrowing differences and building confidence, I am troubled by the apparent growing divergence between the parties," he observed, pointing out their unilateral actions that threaten to further split the economic system.

During the same session, Edem Wosornu, director of operations at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, discussed the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen amidst the protracted political and security crisis.

She stressed that the most vulnerable groups, including women, girls, displaced persons, and marginalized communities, still heavily rely on humanitarian aid for their survival.

With the lean season approaching, Wosornu highlighted an expected increase in hunger and nutritional insecurity, threatening millions. Although community-led initiatives offer some relief, she emphasized the need for continued support to prevent a deepening crisis.

However, these efforts face significant challenges due to a funding shortfall for the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan.

Despite attempts to optimize operations and reduce costs, the plan is only 10 percent funded, Wosornu noted, urging immediate action to close the funding gap and ensure that essential aid reaches those most in need. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)