Yemen: truce is the best chance for peace, we must seize it, says UN envoy
The truce in Yemen between the government and the Houthis since 2 April is the best chance for peace, the UN special envoy for the Arab country said on Monday.
In his regular report to the UN Security Council, Hans Grundberg reported that the lull has resulted in a two-thirds reduction in civilian casualties compared to the three months prior to the lull. Casualties are now mainly due to landmines or unexploded ordnance, he explained.
In addition, the truce has allowed fuel to enter the country, preventing the suspension of essential public services such as clean water, health care, electricity and transport.
However, the truce is due to expire in three weeks' time and there are reports that the parties are sending reinforcements to the main fighting areas, including Ma'rib, Hudaydah and Taiz.
Grundberg noted that in recent weeks there has been a worrying escalation in rhetoric from both sides questioning the benefits of the truce.
The diplomat said such statements are dangerous and called on the government and the Houthis to exercise containment.
"Let us be clear, the alternative to the truce is a return to hostilities and probably an intensified phase of the conflict with consequences for civilians and regional security, among other predictable effects," he said.
He recalled that among the many tangible benefits of the truce is also the resumption of some public works and international investment.
He also cautioned that in light of rising fuel prices and the global economic situation, much remains to be done to ensure that fuel, electricity and consumer goods are available and affordable to people throughout the country.
The envoy said the parties to the conflict have emphasised the importance of building on the truce to address economic and security priorities, and not to lose the opportunity for peace it provides.
"Many of these priorities coincide with those raised by the various groups of Yemeni men and women I have consulted since March," he said.
Grundberg announced that, in the coming weeks, he will talk to the parties about the possibility of a longer extension of the pause and an extended truce agreement.
"This would give the time and opportunity to start serious discussions on the economy and security, address priority issues such as revenues, payment of salaries, and move towards a ceasefire. I call on the parties to engage with me on these issues with a sense of urgency and flexibility," he stressed.
On this point, he stressed the importance of broad participation of the population in the discussions, including women, youth and civil society, to ensure a sustainable political settlement that encompasses the legitimate aspirations and demands of all Yemenis.
Concluding his remarks, the diplomat argued that the coming weeks will be vital in determining the way forward.
"The truce represents the best chance we have had in years for peace in Yemen and we should encourage and support the parties to make the most of it for the benefit of the country as a whole," Grundberg concluded.
The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs also briefed Security Council members.
Joyce Msuya warned that the humanitarian catastrophe already unfolding in Yemen is about to worsen.
Humanitarian needs across the country, including the risk of famine in some areas, could increase significantly in the coming weeks and months, she said.
"The international community must act swiftly and decisively to stop this," Msuya stressed.
She argued that the war in Ukraine is a threat to the supply chains that deliver food to Yemen. The Arab country must import almost 90% of the food it needs. Last year, just under half of the wheat it consumed came from Russia and Ukraine.