“In the absence of a comprehensive approach that addresses Yemen’s many challenges in an integrated manner, rather than in isolation, the risk of recurring and destabilizing cycles will persist,” Grundberg said.
Tensions in the south
Although a reduction in military tensions has been achieved in recent days, he warned that the security situation remains fragile, especially following rival deployments in the southern governorates.
In December, forces affiliated with the separatist Southern Transition Council attempted to expand their presence in Hadramout and Al Mahra, while government-aligned forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, moved in early January to reassert control over key infrastructure.
Grundberg said the future of southern Yemen cannot be determined “by a single actor or through force,” and urged Yemeni leaders to engage in dialogue.
He welcomed President Rashad al-Alimi’s proposal to convene talks with a wide range of leaders in the south, calling it a potential step towards rebuilding a Yemen-wide political process under UN auspices.
Years of conflict have left thousands of people across Yemen dependent on humanitarian assistance. In the photo, a health volunteer walks in an internally displaced persons camp to check on malnourished children.
Instability takes advantage of the economy
Political uncertainty is felt most acutely in Yemen’s economy, he added, where rising prices, unpaid wages and poor services erode household resilience.
“Even short-lived political and security instability can trigger currency pressures, widen fiscal gaps, and paralyze reform efforts.”Mr Grundberg warned.
Economic stress is being compounded by weak institutions and irregular wage payments, particularly for public sector workers.
Grundberg urged Yemeni authorities to protect economic institutions – including the Central Bank – from political disputes, warning that the erosion of trust could further destabilize the country.
Serious humanitarian consequences
Ramesh Rajasingham, director of the Humanitarian Sector at the UN aid coordination office (OCHA), said the Yemen crisis is worsening as needs increase and humanitarian access has become more restricted amid funding shortages.
More than 18 million Yemenis – about half the population – will face severe food insecurity next month, while Tens of thousands of people could fall into “catastrophic hunger,” facing famine-like conditions.he warned.
The health system is also collapsing. More than 450 facilities have already closed and thousands more are at risk of losing funding. Vaccination programs are also under threat and only two-thirds of Yemen’s children are fully immunized, largely due to lack of access in the north.
“As a result, millions of Yemeni children are vulnerable to deadly diseases that are still preventable by vaccines, such as measles, diphtheria, cholera and polio,” Rajasingham said.
Restricted relief efforts
Humanitarian operations are further constrained by the continued detention of 73 UN staff by de facto Houthi authorities, Rajasingham said, calling for their immediate release. The arrests have severely restricted aid delivery in areas that host around 70 percent of humanitarian needs across the country.
Despite the challenges, help continues where access allows. UN partners reached 3.4 million people with food assistance late last year and provided emergency support during floods and disease outbreaks. But the achievements are fragile.
“Humanitarian action saves lives,” Rajasingham said, “but when access is obstructed and funding diminishes, those gains are quickly reversed.”
A broad view of the Security Council as members vote on a draft resolution relating to the Red Sea reporting mandate established pursuant to resolution 2722 (2024).
Attacks in the Red Sea
Earlier on Wednesday, the Security Council also voted to extend by six months the requirement to report monthly on attacks by the Houthi armed group – which controls much of Yemen – against merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favor, while Russia and China abstained.
The mandate was established in January 2024 amid a rise in Houthi attacks on international shipping linked to the conflict in Gaza.
Tasked the UN Secretary-General to provide regular updates on maritime security incidents, their humanitarian and economic impact and their implications for regional stability.