Latest news with #Grundberg
Yemen Online
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yemen Online
UN Envoy to Yemen : Economic Deterioration Threatens Political Stability
Aden – The UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has warned that the accelerating economic decline in the country poses a direct threat to political stability, emphasizing the urgent need for measures to address the economic crisis as a top priority. In a statement from his office, Grundberg stressed that the economic crisis is significantly impacting the daily lives of citizens and hindering any sustainable political progress. He called for coordinated regional and international efforts to support Yemen's political process and address the worsening economic challenges. The envoy pointed out that the recent announcement of a cessation of hostilities between the United States and the Houthis earlier this month presents an important opportunity to de-escalate tensions. However, he insisted that this opportunity must be utilized to implement economic reforms and push all parties toward a comprehensive political settlement. Grundberg also expressed concern over the continued detention of UN and international and local organization staff by the Houthis, demanding their immediate and unconditional release. He warned that such actions undermine the international support provided to Yemen.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
US-Houthi Ceasefire ‘A Welcome Opportunity' To Advance Peace Efforts In Yemen
The ceasefire between the United States and Houthi rebels in Yemen provides an opportunity to revitalize the peace process in the Middle Eastern country, the UN Security Council heard on Wednesday. 14 May 2025 Ambassadors were briefed by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, who commended Oman for its efforts to achieve the agreement which came into effect on 6 May. He said the cessation of hostilities represented an important and necessary de-escalation in the Red Sea following the resumption of deadly US airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. Resolve the conflict However, recent events show that the country is still ensnared in wider regional tensions, he said, pointing to Houthi attacks on Ben Gurion Airport in Israel and Israel's subsequent strikes on Hudaydah Port, Sana'a Airport, and other locations. 'Nevertheless, the announcement of 6 May provides a welcome opportunity on which we must collectively build to refocus on resolving Yemen's conflict and advancing a Yemeni-owned peace process,' he said. The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, and Yemeni Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, have been battling for control of the country for more than a decade. 'Yemenis want to move forward' 'The challenges facing Yemen are immense: from the deep and significant levels of mistrust between the parties, with some still reportedly preparing for war, to near economic collapse,' Mr. Grundberg told the Council He said the UN will continue to work to bring the sides to the table to identify and agree on solutions that are acceptable to all. 'Yemenis want to move forward – the status quo is untenable,' he insisted. 'And while the frontlines may currently appear relatively stable, what Yemen has now is not peace.' He stressed the need for continued engagement by the international community to help the Yemeni people realize their desire to build a stable, prosperous and safe country. Release detained staff Mr. Grundberg used the briefing to again highlight the plight of personnel from the UN, international and national NGOs, civil society and diplomatic missions, who continue to be arbitrarily detained by the Houthis. 'Not only is their detention in violation of international law, but it has also caused a significant chilling effect throughout the international community, which only has one outcome: undermining support to Yemen, which will sadly impact the Yemenis most in need,' he said. He welcomed the recent release of staff members from the Dutch Embassy and international organization, saying 'this demonstrates what is possible, but these releases are woefully insufficient.' Message to the people The Special Envoy concluded his remarks by stating that Yemenis have endured over 10 years of instability, uncertainty and economic collapse. Speaking directly to the population, he reiterated that ' I see you. I hear you. You have not been forgotten – and I won't relent in my efforts to pursue peace and stability in Yemen.' He urged the warring parties 'to be courageous and choose dialogue,' emphasizing that 'the United Nations will not waiver in its commitment to support you in finding a negotiated settlement to this conflict.' Humanitarians 'running out of time': Fletcher UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, who also briefed the Council, shared the Special Envoy's relief at the cessation of hostilities in Yemen. He stressed, however, that 'Yemen is not out of the woods' as the humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with children most affected. 'Half of Yemen's children – or 2.3 million – are malnourished. 600,000 of them severely so,' he said. Childhood killers on the rise Moreover, 'malnutrition is not just about hunger,' he added, as it attacks immunity, leaving children vulnerable to deadly infections like pneumonia and diarrhoea – both leading causes of child mortality in Yemen. The country also has one of the worst immunisation rates in the world as only 69 per cent of children under a year old are fully immunized and 20 per cent have received no vaccinations at all. As a result, diseases such as cholera and measles are rising. In 2024, Yemen accounted for over a third of global cholera cases and 18 per cent of related deaths, in addition to having one of the highest measles burdens globally. 'Children are not alone in being disproportionately impacted,' said Mr. Fletcher, as malnutrition also affects 1.4 million pregnant and breastfeeding women in Yemen, placing mothers and newborns at grave risk. Overall, some 9.6 million women and girls are in severe need of life-saving humanitarian support, he said. Appeal to the Council He warned, however, that humanitarians 'are running out of time and resources' as their 2025 response plan for Yemen is barely nine per cent funded. 'These shortfalls have very real consequences,' he said. 'Nearly 400 health facilities – including 64 hospitals – will stop operating, impacting nearly seven million people.' Meanwhile, funding for 700 midwives is quickly running out and 20 therapeutic feeding centres and more than 2,000 therapeutic feeding programmes have already been forced to close down. Mr. Fletcher made three requests to the Council, calling first for action to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, including protection of civilians as well as access to all those in need. He urged ambassadors to also provide scaled-up, flexible funding to sustain critical aid operations. 'Third, and as the Special Envoy has underlined, back efforts towards lasting peace,' he concluded.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
US-Houthi Ceasefire ‘A Welcome Opportunity' To Advance Peace Efforts In Yemen
14 May 2025 Ambassadors were briefed by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, who commended Oman for its efforts to achieve the agreement which came into effect on 6 May. He said the cessation of hostilities represented an important and necessary de-escalation in the Red Sea following the resumption of deadly US airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. Resolve the conflict However, recent events show that the country is still ensnared in wider regional tensions, he said, pointing to Houthi attacks on Ben Gurion Airport in Israel and Israel's subsequent strikes on Hudaydah Port, Sana'a Airport, and other locations. 'Nevertheless, the announcement of 6 May provides a welcome opportunity on which we must collectively build to refocus on resolving Yemen's conflict and advancing a Yemeni-owned peace process,' he said. The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, and Yemeni Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, have been battling for control of the country for more than a decade. 'Yemenis want to move forward' 'The challenges facing Yemen are immense: from the deep and significant levels of mistrust between the parties, with some still reportedly preparing for war, to near economic collapse,' Mr. Grundberg told the Council He said the UN will continue to work to bring the sides to the table to identify and agree on solutions that are acceptable to all. 'Yemenis want to move forward – the status quo is untenable,' he insisted. 'And while the frontlines may currently appear relatively stable, what Yemen has now is not peace.' He stressed the need for continued engagement by the international community to help the Yemeni people realize their desire to build a stable, prosperous and safe country. Release detained staff Mr. Grundberg used the briefing to again highlight the plight of personnel from the UN, international and national NGOs, civil society and diplomatic missions, who continue to be arbitrarily detained by the Houthis. 'Not only is their detention in violation of international law, but it has also caused a significant chilling effect throughout the international community, which only has one outcome: undermining support to Yemen, which will sadly impact the Yemenis most in need,' he said. He welcomed the recent release of staff members from the Dutch Embassy and international organization, saying 'this demonstrates what is possible, but these releases are woefully insufficient.' Message to the people The Special Envoy concluded his remarks by stating that Yemenis have endured over 10 years of instability, uncertainty and economic collapse. Speaking directly to the population, he reiterated that ' I see you. I hear you. You have not been forgotten - and I won't relent in my efforts to pursue peace and stability in Yemen.' He urged the warring parties 'to be courageous and choose dialogue,' emphasizing that 'the United Nations will not waiver in its commitment to support you in finding a negotiated settlement to this conflict.' Humanitarians 'running out of time': Fletcher UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, who also briefed the Council, shared the Special Envoy's relief at the cessation of hostilities in Yemen. He stressed, however, that 'Yemen is not out of the woods' as the humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with children most affected. 'Half of Yemen's children – or 2.3 million – are malnourished. 600,000 of them severely so,' he said. Childhood killers on the rise Moreover, 'malnutrition is not just about hunger,' he added, as it attacks immunity, leaving children vulnerable to deadly infections like pneumonia and diarrhoea – both leading causes of child mortality in Yemen. The country also has one of the worst immunisation rates in the world as only 69 per cent of children under a year old are fully immunized and 20 per cent have received no vaccinations at all. As a result, diseases such as cholera and measles are rising. In 2024, Yemen accounted for over a third of global cholera cases and 18 per cent of related deaths, in addition to having one of the highest measles burdens globally. 'Children are not alone in being disproportionately impacted,' said Mr. Fletcher, as malnutrition also affects 1.4 million pregnant and breastfeeding women in Yemen, placing mothers and newborns at grave risk. Overall, some 9.6 million women and girls are in severe need of life-saving humanitarian support, he said. Appeal to the Council He warned, however, that humanitarians 'are running out of time and resources' as their 2025 response plan for Yemen is barely nine per cent funded. 'These shortfalls have very real consequences,' he said. 'Nearly 400 health facilities – including 64 hospitals – will stop operating, impacting nearly seven million people.' Meanwhile, funding for 700 midwives is quickly running out and 20 therapeutic feeding centres and more than 2,000 therapeutic feeding programmes have already been forced to close down. Mr. Fletcher made three requests to the Council, calling first for action to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, including protection of civilians as well as access to all those in need. He urged ambassadors to also provide scaled-up, flexible funding to sustain critical aid operations. 'Third, and as the Special Envoy has underlined, back efforts towards lasting peace,' he concluded.
Yemen Online
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yemen Online
US Airstrike in Yemen Draws UN Appeals for Protection of Civilians
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, called Tuesday for accountability for all civilian deaths in Yemen following a US airstrike that killed 68 African migrants at a detention center in Saada province. The attack on the facility holding irregular migrants also wounded 47 people, the Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV channel reported, citing civil defense officials. 'I am deeply alarmed by the airstrike on a detention facility in Saada, which reportedly resulted in dozens of casualties among detained migrants,' Grundberg said in a statement. He added that he takes note of US statements that they are investigating the incident. Grundberg urged all parties 'to take the necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and ensure accountability for every loss of civilian life.' He also pressed all actors to prioritize de-escalation, exercise restraint, and focus on efforts toward a negotiated, peaceful future for Yemen. Separately, Al-Masirah TV reported that US forces conducted a series of evening strikes on the capital Sanaa, targeting Bani Matar, Bani Hushaysh, Al-Husn and Hamdan districts with multiple raids. Earlier, the broadcaster said that US warplanes struck Sahar district in Saada with four airstrikes and Bart Al-Anan district in Al-Jawf Province with six raids. Saba news agency, also affiliated with the Houthis, noted that Sanaa faced US airstrikes at dawn, including two raids on Bani Hushaysh district. No other details were provided on possible casualties or damage from the strikes, and Washington has not released a statement. The US has carried out more than 1,200 airstrikes in Yemen since March 15, killing more than 225 civilians and injuring over 430, mostly women and children, according to Houthi data that excludes losses among their forces. US President Donald Trump said last month that he had ordered "decisive and powerful military action" against the Houthi group and later threatened to "completely annihilate them." The Houthis have targeted ships passing through the Red and Arabian seas, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden since November 2023 in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where more than 52,300 people have been killed in a brutal Israeli assault for more than 19 months. The group halted attacks when a Gaza ceasefire was declared in January between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas but resumed them after Israel renewed airstrikes on Gaza last month.
The Sun
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
UN Yemen envoy meets Huthi officials in Oman
MUSCAT: UN special envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg met Huthi rebel officials in Oman on Thursday to discuss 'the necessity to stabilize the situation' in the Arabian Peninsula country. The Huthis form part of Iran's 'axis of resistance' against Israel and the United States, and since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023, they have repeatedly launched missiles and drones at Israel in what they say is a show of solidarity with the Palestinians. They have also targeted ships they accuse of having ties to Israel in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, sparking a US-led bombing campaign aimed at securing the key shipping lanes. In a statement posted on X, Grundberg's office said he 'met today in #Muscat with senior Omani officials, members of Ansar Allah (Huthi) leadership and representatives of the diplomatic community'. The talks 'centered on the necessity to stabilize the situation in #Yemen to allow all Yemenis to live in dignity and prosperity and to address the legitimate concerns of all stakeholders including the region and the international community', it added. Grundberg 'reiterated his commitment to continue to work towards that goal, as part of his efforts towards sustainable peace in Yemen'. Since March 15, Israel's key ally the United States has stepped up its attacks on the Huthis, targeting rebel positions in Yemen with near-daily air strikes. The UN envoy's meetings in Muscat come two days before a third round of indirect talks, mediated by Oman, between top officials from Iran and the United States on the Islamic republic's nuclear programme. Grundberg's office said he also raised UN demands for 'the immediate and unconditional release of detained UN, NGO, civil society and diplomatic personnel' in Yemen. In June last year, the Huthis detained 13 UN personnel, including six employees of the Human Rights Office, and more than 50 NGO staff, plus an embassy staff member. They claimed they had arrested 'an American-Israeli spy network' operating under the cover of humanitarian organisations -- allegations emphatically rejected by the UN Human Rights Office.
