Grundberg to Security Council: Yemenis in Houthi-controlled areas face arrests, threats, and intimidation
Yemen Monitor/ Newsroom
UN envoy Hans Grundberg said on Tuesday that Yemenis are facing a narrowing of space for meaningful participation, as they are subjected to arrests, threats, and intimidation in Houthi-controlled areas.
During his briefing to the UN Security Council, the UN envoy added that Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are obstructing the resolution of the Yemeni crisis.
He continued, saying: “The mutual escalation (Houthi attacks on Israel and the Red Sea, and airstrikes led by the US and Israel in Yemen) jeopardizes the hopes of peace and stability, and diverts attention away from the urgent need to address Yemen’s internal crisis.”
He added: “The parties must demonstrate their commitment to peace by taking concrete steps, including the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained persons. Yemen needs more than ever to unite its purpose at this time.”
He confirmed that “Yemenis are feeling the impact of the escalation and the recurrence of attacks on ships in the Red Sea,” noting that Houthi attacks on ships threaten an environmental disaster.”
He also emphasized that “Yemen is part of the escalation in the Middle East and may be drawn into deeper developments.”
He noted that “the Houthis continue to arbitrarily detain UN staff, civil society workers, and members of diplomatic missions,” calling on the armed group to release all arbitrarily detained persons, including 17 UN staff members.
Regarding peace, Grundberg said that a “roadmap has been developed to launch a political process and we hope the Yemeni parties will commit to it.”
He pointed out that “a peaceful solution is the most viable path and is achievable, and the Yemeni people need continued and unified international support.”
