The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has denounced the recent major military escalation in Yemen and called on the warring parties to immediately de-escalate.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Grundberg stressed that the escalation, which he described as “among the worst” in Yemen, undermines the prospects of reaching a sustainable political settlement to end the conflict in the country.
He also emphasized that violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in Yemen cannot continue with impunity.
“The escalation in recent weeks is among the worst we have seen in Yemen for years and the threat to civilian lives is increasing.”
The continued offensive on Marib and the continued missile attacks on the governorate are resulting in civilian casualties, damage to civilian objects and mass displacement, said the statement.
Grundberg further expressed his concern about the sustained attacks against Saudi Arabia which also resulted in civilian casualties and damaged civilian infrastructure.
He also expressed dismay about the impact of the escalation on an already deteriorating humanitarian situation.
“2021 is ending on a tragic note for Yemenis, millions of whom are struggling with poverty, hunger and severe restrictions on their freedom of movement. In this regard, I reiterate the United Nations’ call for the opening of Sana’a airport and for removing obstacles hindering Yemenis’ ability to move within or between governorates inside Yemen,” Grundberg said.
He underscored that he stands ready “to work with the parties to find immediate solutions to de-escalate the violence, address urgent humanitarian needs, and enable a political process aimed at sustainably and comprehensively ending the conflict in Yemen,” and he urged the parties to engage positively with the United Nations efforts in this regard.
The envoy has so far failed to visit Sanaa to meet with Houthi leaders over their failure to welcome him.
