Security Council Speakers Urge Relaunch of Inclusive Political Process to Address Conflict in Yemen
Amid Yemen’s ongoing political, security, and humanitarian crises, the United Nations Security Council has emphasized the urgent need to restart an inclusive political process aimed at achieving a negotiated settlement to the conflict. Since the popular uprisings of 2011, the UN has been actively involved in facilitating a peaceful resolution. Despite some progress, escalating violence and fragmentation have left Yemen divided among various factions. The Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has called for decisive action to address the broader conflict, warning that without a comprehensive political settlement, any gains made could be lost.
Complex Political Landscape
The political situation in Yemen has become increasingly intricate since the onset of conflict in 2014. Various armed groups, including government forces and the Houthis, now control different regions of the country. The UN-brokered truce in April 2022 provided a temporary reduction in violence, but the underlying issues remain unresolved. Hans Grundberg, briefing the Security Council from Riyadh, highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to stabilize Yemen. He stressed that addressing political, economic, and security issues in isolation would yield only partial results. A credible process must engage all relevant parties simultaneously, focusing on immediate measures to alleviate suffering while also negotiating long-term governance and security arrangements.
In recent weeks, Grundberg has been in discussions with Yemeni factions, regional stakeholders, and the international community to explore pathways for restarting the political process. He acknowledged the complexity of the conflict, which has evolved over more than a decade, and emphasized the importance of adapting strategies to current realities. “We need to build on what still works and be pragmatic in designing a political process,” he stated, underscoring the necessity of a unified approach to address Yemen’s multifaceted challenges.
Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies
The humanitarian situation in Yemen is dire, with the UN estimating that by 2026, approximately 22.3 million people—half of the country’s population—will require assistance. Lisa Doughten, Director of the Financing and Outreach Division at the Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, reported that Yemen is grappling with one of the most severe hunger crises in the region. Nearly half of the children in Yemen are stunted due to malnutrition, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian aid.
Despite the challenges, humanitarian partners have made significant strides, providing food assistance to over 5 million people and conducting 3.3 million medical consultations. However, funding for the humanitarian appeal remains critically low, at only 28.5 percent. This shortfall has forced organizations to make difficult choices regarding resource allocation. To adapt to the situation, non-governmental organizations and the International Committee of the Red Cross are taking on a larger operational role. The UN aims to leverage its unique capabilities to maximize the impact of humanitarian efforts.
The Yemeni government has also reported progress in addressing various issues, including military unification and the electric power crisis. With support from Saudi Arabia, the government has taken steps to pay salaries, reduce militarization in cities, and improve port and airport efficiency. However, officials warn that these advancements are fragile as long as Houthi militias continue to undermine state institutions.
New Cabinet and National Cohesion Efforts
The formation of a new 34-member Cabinet, approved by the Presidential Leadership Council, has been welcomed as a significant step toward national cohesion in Yemen. Council members noted that this development could enhance public service delivery and stabilize the country. The inclusion of women in the Cabinet has been highlighted as a positive sign of progress in a country that has faced over a decade of conflict.
Delegates from various nations have reiterated the importance of pursuing a credible and inclusive political process to bring an end to the war. They emphasized that Yemen’s path to lasting peace lies not in military actions but in dialogue and compromise. The ongoing Riyadh process aims to bring all factions back to the negotiating table, fostering a unified government. Additionally, the resumption of negotiations on prisoner exchanges under UN auspices has been viewed as a potential confidence-building measure among the parties involved.
International representatives have also commended Saudi Arabia’s announcement of a package of projects targeting vital sectors across Yemen. They believe that achieving development is crucial for establishing a stable and prosperous future for the country. However, there is a consensus that urgent action is needed to address the humanitarian crisis, with calls for unity among Council members to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.
Addressing Security Threats and Detainee Issues
Several Security Council speakers have raised concerns about the threats posed by Houthi forces to peace and stability in Yemen and the broader region. The United States representative called for collective action to counter these threats, particularly by cutting off resources that support Houthi terrorist activities. Recent sanctions targeting the Houthis have been implemented, focusing on financial connections with the Iranian regime.
China’s delegate rejected allegations against his country regarding military support to the Houthis, asserting that Beijing has adhered to Council resolutions. Meanwhile, Greece’s representative highlighted the destabilizing impact of Houthi threats on maritime security in the Red Sea, which poses risks to international shipping and trade.
The UK representative condemned the death sentences issued by Houthi authorities and the ongoing detention of aid workers, emphasizing that such actions violate international law and hinder humanitarian assistance efforts. The need for a unified response to these challenges was echoed by other Council members, who stressed the importance of addressing both security threats and humanitarian needs to pave the way for lasting peace in Yemen.
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