The United States announced today that the United Nations and the international community cannot continue their operations in Yemen as if nothing had happened following the kidnapping of dozens of local staff working for UN and international organizations. Robert Wood, the Deputy Representative for Special Political Affairs, emphasized that it is time for the Security Council to raise its voice in unity and demand the immediate and safe release of all Yemeni staff of the UN, national and international NGOs, and diplomatic missions.
In a speech at the International Security Council, he called for support of UN agencies operating in Yemen as they determine the next essential steps to protect their staff in the deteriorating security environment.
In related news, Hans Grundberg, the Special UN Envoy to Yemen, reported yesterday that nearly seven weeks have passed since the Houthi group arbitrarily detained 13 UN colleagues, along with dozens of staff from international and local organizations, civil society, and the private sector, many of whom support the UN’s work. Among those arbitrarily detained, there are at least four women. Grundberg, in his briefing to the Security Council yesterday, said, “From my contact with their families, I know they are fearful for the fate of their mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, sisters, and brothers currently detained, as it has been nearly two months… Four other staff members from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNESCO have been detained for even longer periods, specifically since 2021 and 2023.”
Grundberg added that the course of developments in Yemen since the beginning of the year is heading in the wrong direction and could reach a critical point if not addressed. He pointed out that the regional dimension of the conflict in Yemen is becoming clearer, translating economic escalations into open threats of returning to full-scale war. The Houthi group is also intensifying its repression of civil space and international organizations.
While acknowledging that the parties have shown willingness to engage in economic dialogue, which he welcomed, Grundberg reiterated his warning to the Council of the risk of returning to full-scale war and its anticipated consequences of human suffering.
In his remarks, the UN Envoy welcomed the decision of the Yemeni parties to choose the path of dialogue, looking forward to working more with them to support them in fulfilling their commitments regarding the banking sector and Yemeni airlines.
Political Solution
Yesterday, Saudi Arabia expressed its hope that the sitting of the Yemeni government and the Houthi group at the dialogue table would contribute to reaching a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis. The Kingdom affirmed in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “its continued support for Yemen, its government, and its fraternal people, and its constant eagerness to encourage efforts to de-escalate and maintain calm to support the peace process in Yemen.”
