Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg addressed the UN Security Council, emphasizing that while the 2022 truce between Houthi rebels and the government endures, the conflict remains unresolved. He stressed that entrenched front lines drain resources, worsen fragmentation, and contribute to increased militarization in society, with some students and teachers joining armed groups out of economic necessity. Grundberg warned that Yemen's instability could spread regionally if tensions escalate again. He called on the parties to use the current regional de-escalation as an opportunity to revive a political process for a sustainable end to the conflict.
Grundberg also reiterated his appeal for the release of 73 UN personnel detained by Houthi rebels, some since 2024, describing the detentions as violations of international law that cause significant suffering and hinder the UN’s humanitarian efforts. He highlighted that the Security Council recently condemned these detentions and demanded their unconditional and immediate release, urging continued international efforts until the detainees are freed.
UN relief chief Tom Fletcher warned the Security Council about worsening humanitarian conditions tied to funding cuts. He cited recent UN-backed analysis showing that nearly five million people—almost half of the population in government-controlled areas—face high levels of acute food insecurity. Fletcher emphasized that hunger results in lost lives and futures, noting that over 2.2 million children under five suffer from acute malnutrition, with many likely to experience lifelong consequences without sustained support.
Fletcher stressed that as needs grow, available support is declining, and funding reductions lead to missed meals and untreated malnutrition for Yemen's most vulnerable populations.