Grundberg warns of growing risk of military escalation in Yemen

The UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, warned today, Tuesday, of the increasing risk of military escalation in Yemen, warning of the exacerbation of suffering and the obstruction of efforts to achieve peace.

Grundberg said in a speech during the closing session of the Third Yemen International Forum held in Amman that the risk of military escalation inside Yemen is increasing, which threatens to exacerbate the suffering and hinder efforts to achieve peace. The humanitarian crisis is also worsening, and political divisions remain.

He added that the challenges facing Yemen today are enormous, and addressing them was at the heart of your discussions. Perhaps the most prominent of these challenges is the continued shrinking of civil space, especially in areas under Houthi control.

“The arbitrary arrests targeting UN staff, civil society, the diplomatic corps, and the private sector, coupled with the tragic death of our WFP colleague in detention, reveal the growing risks and shrinking space available for those seeking to support Yemenis,” he continued.

The UN envoy stressed that such actions threaten basic rights, undermine trust, and hinder peace efforts. These practices must be stopped and accountability must be ensured.

“That is why it was important for the Security Council to send a strong, unified message condemning the death of our colleague, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees, and reaffirming their support for the United Nations in its efforts towards a comprehensive Yemeni-led political settlement,” he said.

He added that over the past three days, you discussed the shared responsibilities for achieving peace and stability in Yemen, with a particular focus on the crucial role of transitional justice, which must be Yemeni-led, with victims’ rights at its core.

You also engaged in constructive discussions on how to address Yemen’s economic challenges, and possible ways to overcome technical, political and security obstacles to resuming oil and gas production and exports.

Among the issues that have generated intense discussion, Grundberg said, is the impact of the US designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization. There is much speculation and interpretation, and clarification is currently being sought.

The envoy stressed the importance of pushing forward a political process under the auspices of the United Nations. Ultimately, the core issues can only be addressed through a political process.

“Yemenis have repeatedly identified key issues as their top priorities: economic recovery, a nationwide ceasefire, and an inclusive political process to chart the country’s future,” he said.

He continued: "These are the same issues that the parties committed to in the roadmap, and they remain valid to this day. Protecting the space available for mediation remains a priority for me, to make tangible progress, and to address the issues that you discussed over the past three days."

Grundberg called on international partners not to neglect Yemen amid the many global crises, noting that their continued diplomatic, financial and humanitarian support is of utmost importance.

He also called on Yemeni actors to keep the doors of dialogue open and to prioritize the national interest over factional divisions, adding, "The path to peace may be full of challenges, but with our collective determination, the possibility of achieving it remains."