Yemen Benefits from Expired Truce, UN Reports
A truce between the Yemeni government and the Iran-backed Houthis that expired over 10 months ago continues to have positive effects on the people of Yemen, according to the United Nations (UN). The UN stated that the truce has led to a decrease in child deaths and the ongoing flow of fuel through Hodeidah’s port. Additionally, it allowed for the first commercial flight in seven years carrying Hajj pilgrims from Sanaa to Saudi Arabia.
This period of relative calm has created an opportunity for serious discussions between the warring parties with the goal of ending the conflict, said Hans Grundberg, the UN’s special envoy for Yemen. However, he emphasized that a “serious breakthrough” is needed for the war to truly come to an end.
Grundberg expressed gratitude for the regional support for these discussions, particularly from Saudi Arabia and Oman. He also thanked Jordan for hosting meetings between the two sides to discuss the release of more detainees, building on previous prisoner-exchange agreements.
Despite the overall decline in violence, Grundberg warned that the situation on the ground remains “fragile and challenging.” Violence continues in various areas, increasing fears and tensions. He called on all parties involved to cease provocative military actions and rhetoric that could escalate the conflict further.
Economic battles also continue to impact civilians in Yemen. The struggle for control over revenue-generating ports, trade routes, banking sectors, currency, and natural-resource wealth has become intertwined with the political and military conflict, Grundberg explained.
Freedom of movement is another significant challenge. Conflict-related road closures force thousands of Yemenis to take unsafe routes, increasing transportation costs by over 100%. Landmines, unexploded ordnance, and extreme weather events worsen the impact of movement restrictions on civilians. Women and girls face even greater restrictions on their freedom of movement, preventing them from accessing basic needs, economic opportunities, and participating in politics and peace-making efforts.
Grundberg emphasized the need for a more sustainable and just peace in Yemen. He called on all parties to take further bold steps, including agreeing to a sustainable, nationwide ceasefire, reversing antagonistic economic policies that deepen divisions and fragment the country, enhancing economic links among Yemenis by opening roads, and increasing the number of flights operating out of Sanaa International Airport.
Joyce Msuya, the UN’s deputy emergency relief coordinator, highlighted the need for continued humanitarian assistance in Yemen. While the political process progresses, she stressed the importance of remaining vigilant and active on the humanitarian front. Msuya stated that assistance will remain high for the foreseeable future among the 22 million people in Yemen who require aid to survive. However, the international humanitarian response is currently only at 29% of the required funding level, resulting in drastic cuts to safe shelter and food aid for millions, including refugees and internally displaced people.
Msuya also addressed the growing number of migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in Yemen. She explained that while they are not the largest vulnerable group in terms of numbers, they face severe protection risks. Migrants often face exploitation and violence, including extortion, abduction, and physical abuse. Asylum seekers and refugees face similar threats as they use the same routes as migrants. Women and girls are particularly at risk.
Msuya called on all parties involved in the conflict to fulfill their obligations to meet the essential needs of all civilians under their control, including health, food, water, and shelter.
In conclusion, while the expired truce has brought some benefits to Yemen, the situation remains fragile and challenging. The UN continues to work towards a sustainable peace and calls on all parties involved to take further steps towards ending the conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.