The United Nations is raising alarm over the deteriorating situation in Yemen, as rival parties are making military preparations and threatening to return to war. Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative, expressed concerns about escalating military activities and clashes in various towns and cities, highlighting the volatility along Yemeni frontlines. The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2014 when Houthi rebels backed by Iran seized much of northern Yemen, leading to a Saudi-led coalition intervention in support of the internationally recognized government. Despite a six-month truce in 2022, the situation in Yemen has worsened in recent months.
Grundberg also raised concerns about the detention of dozens of Yemenis working for the U.N. and other organizations by the Houthi rebels. The closure of the U.N. human rights office in Sanaa and the storming of the office by Houthi security forces further underscored the challenges faced by U.N. personnel in Yemen. Grundberg described these actions as a serious attack on the U.N.’s ability to work in the country. The U.N. is calling for the immediate release of all those detained by the rebels to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian workers in Yemen.
Lisa Doughten, the U.N. humanitarian office’s finance director, highlighted the lack of funding as a significant obstacle in meeting critical needs in Yemen. The country is facing increasing food insecurity, with a rise in cholera cases and severe malnutrition among Yemeni children. Doughten noted that current funding is only able to address a quarter of the cholera cases, and without immediate new funding, the number of suspected cases could reach more than 250,000 in just a few weeks. In addition, a survey revealed that 60% of Yemenis lack adequate food, with a significant increase in severe food deprivation in Houthi-controlled areas.
The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is not just about food insecurity but also extends to other aspects of life, including child marriage and lack of access to education. Doughten highlighted that 30% of girls in Yemen are forced into marriage before the age of 18 as families struggle to provide for them. The number of children out of school is also on the rise, with an estimated 4.5 million children currently out of school in Yemen. As the situation worsens, more children might be forced to leave school to help provide for their families, leading to a further decrease in educational opportunities for Yemeni children.
The U.N. is urging all parties involved in the conflict in Yemen to prioritize the well-being of the civilian population and to work towards a sustainable peace agreement. The escalating tensions, military preparations, and threats of returning to war are only exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. With the lack of funding and resources to address critical needs, including food security and healthcare, the situation is becoming increasingly dire for the Yemeni people. The international community must step up its efforts to support humanitarian operations in Yemen and prevent further suffering among the population.