Yemen on the brink: Guterres calls for restraint and calls for the release of UN detainees

Speaking to media outside the council chambers in New York, he highlighted simmering tensions across Yemen and “dramatic new developments” in its eastern governorates that are “ratcheting up the pressure.”

Since 2014, Yemeni government forces, backed by a Saudi-led military coalition, have been fighting Iran-backed Houthi rebels controlling the capital, Sanaa.

Wider escalation risk

This month, forces affiliated with a separatist group called the Southern Transitional Council (STC) advanced toward two resource-rich governorates, Hadramawt and al-Mahra.

“As I told the Security Council, unilateral actions will not pave the way to peace,” the secretary-general said. “They deepen divisions. Strengthen positions. And increase the risk of broader escalation and further fragmentation.”

He warned that a full resumption of hostilities could have serious consequences for regional security.

“I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, ease tensions and resolve differences through dialogue,” he said.

“This includes regional stakeholders, whose constructive engagement and coordination in support of UN mediation efforts are essential to securing collective security interests. »

A political solution is needed

The Secretary-General stressed that Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be preserved.

He stressed the need for a “negotiated and lasting political settlement” that takes into account the aspirations of the entire population of the country and puts an end to the conflict.

The fighting has left thousands dead and triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Nearly half the population – 19.5 million people – are in need of humanitarian assistance and almost five million people have been forced to flee their homes.

UN efforts to support the Yemeni people face enormous challenges, particularly in Houthi-controlled areas where “the operational environment has become untenable.”

Release detained staff

The Secretary-General strongly condemned the continued arbitrary detention of 59 personnel of the United Nations and its partners, as well as staff of NGOs, civil society organizations and diplomatic missions, and called for their immediate and unconditional release.

The de facto Houthi authorities recently referred three UN staff members to a special criminal court. They were charged in connection with the exercise of their official functions at the UN. He said the dismissal should be overturned and all charges should be dropped.

“The continued detention of our colleagues constitutes a profound injustice to all those who have dedicated their lives to helping the people of Yemen,” he said.

“The UN and its partners must never be targeted, arrested or detained while carrying out their official duties. We must be allowed to carry out our work without interference.”

Commitment to peace

The Secretary-General confirmed the UN’s commitment to providing life-saving assistance to millions of people across Yemen despite the challenges.

Since January, more than 5.3 million people have received food, nutrition, water and health assistance, and “with adequate funding and operational space, we can do much more.”

He recalled that the Yemeni parties were already close to peace, during the 2022 truce and agreed commitments in 2023. Although “subsequent developments have seriously complicated the situation”, the path to peace is possible and the UN remains committed to these efforts.

He called on all parties to engage constructively with the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, to “prioritize dialogue over violence and to avoid any unilateral action that could worsen this fragile situation,” adding that “the Yemeni people demand and deserve peace.”