Since 2014, Yemeni government forces supported by a Saudi-led military coalition have been fighting the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who control the capital, Sana’a.
Risk of wider escalation
This month, forces affiliated with a separatist group called the Southern Transitional Council (STC) advanced on two resource-rich governorates, Hadramawt and al-Mahra.
“As I told the Security Council, Unilateral actions will not clear the way to peace.“said the Secretary General. “They deepen divisions. Harden positions. And increase the risk of broader escalation and further fragmentation.”
He warned that a full resumption of hostilities could have serious consequences for regional security.
“I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, reduce tensions and resolve differences through dialogue“, said.
“This includes regional stakeholders, whose constructive engagement and coordination in support of UN mediation efforts are essential to ensuring collective security interests.”
A political solution is needed
The Secretary General stressed that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen must be preserved.
He stressed the need for “a negotiated and sustainable political agreement” that encompasses the aspirations of all the country’s people and ends the conflict.
The fighting has killed thousands of people and caused one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Almost half of the population (19.5 million people) are in need of humanitarian assistance and almost five million have been forced to flee their homes.
UN efforts to support the Yemeni people face enormous challenges, particularly in Houthi-controlled areas where “the operating environment has become unsustainable.”
Release detained personnel
The Secretary-General strongly condemned the continued arbitrary detention of 59 staff of the United Nations and its partners, as well as staff of NGOs, civil society organizations and diplomatic missions, and called for their immediate and unconditional release.
The Houthis de facto Authorities recently referred three UN officials to a special criminal court. They were charged in connection with the performance of official UN duties. He said the referral should be rescinded and all charges dropped.
“The continued detention of our colleagues is a profound injustice to all those who have dedicated their lives to helping the people of Yemen,” he said.
“The United Nations and its partners must never be attacked, arrested or detained in connection with their official duties. We must be allowed to carry out our work without interference.”
Commitment to peace
The Secretary-General confirmed the UN’s commitment to providing life-saving support to millions of people across Yemen despite the challenges.
Since January, more than 5.3 million people have received food, nutrition, water and healthcare, and “with adequate funding and operational space, we can do much more.”
He recalled that the Yemeni parties were close to peace before, during the 2022 truce and the commitments agreed in 2023. Although “subsequent developments have seriously complicated the situation”, the path to peace is possible and the UN remains committed to these efforts.
He called on all parties to engage constructively with the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, “prioritize dialogue over violence and avoid any unilateral actions that could exacerbate this fragile situation,” adding that “the people of Yemen demand and deserve peace.”