The UN official informed the ambassadors of his relentless efforts to engage the parties as well as regional and international partners on renewal options, highlighting discussions in Abu Dhabi and Muscat.“With the stakes this high, it is critical that we do not lose this opportunity. The parties need to demonstrate the leadership, compromise and flexibility required to urgently reach an agreement on the renewal and expansion of the truce”.
Truce successes
But the period of relative peace between internationally recognized Government forces and Houthi rebels ended 11 days ago, and now both must choose to either “preserve and build on the truce”, or return to war. He told ambassadors that since the truce began, six and a half months ago, it had started to alleviate the suffering of Yemenis, after more than seven years of civil war, and offered “a truly historic opportunity” to work towards a lasting settlement. “It is important to remember that the truce was never intended as an end in itself, but as a building block to enhance trust between the parties and establish a conducive environment to work toward a political solution to the conflict”, the UN envoy reminded. UNHCR/Hugh Macleod “Landmines and other explosive hazards have continued to be the main cause of civilian casualties”, she said, noting that last month 70 people were reportedly killed or injured by landmines, improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance.
New truce still possible
Briefing via video connection from Hudaydah, the governorate most impacted by landmines and explosive hazards, UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Joyce Msuya, described the “terrible dangers” still being faced by civilians. “Humanitarians are doing their best to address the most urgent needs, but we cannot do this alone, and we cannot substitute the roles of others”, she stated, requesting support from donors, development actors and international financial institutions “to turn this tide and chart a path forward”. “We need urgent action to reduce this threat, including increased support for demining projects and facilitation of the importation of equipment”, she underscored. The Special Envoy thanked the Council for its continued steadfast support and maintained that its united position on the renewal and expansion of the truce “has made it clear that the international community expects the parties to reach an agreement with a sense of urgency”.
“The achievement and benefits of the truce should not be underestimated”, he said, flagging that it brought “the longest period of calm yet”.
Reduce mine threat
Over the past six days, Ms. Msuya said she had seen first-hand, markets without food and basic goods, and hospitals and schools lacking fundamental equipment, with “doctors and teachers who are not being paid enough – if at all”. “I personally believe that there is still a possibility for the parties to come to an agreement”, Mr. Grundberg said. But the impacts go far beyond killing and maiming, “they convert simple everyday activities, like farming, fishing or walking to school, into possible life-or-death scenarios,” she added. Sana’a airport had finally opened to international passengers, enabling almost 27,000 Yemenis to get medical treatment overseas, and pursue educational or business opportunities abroad.
‘A path forward’
In Mazrak, Yemen, a five year-old girl, diagnosed as malnourished, is given a pink wristband to wear to show she has not been getting enough to eat. At the same time, she told the Council the country’s deteriorating economy and collapsing basic services were triggering other perils. Mr. Grundberg said during the pause in fighting, there had been no major military operations, and a 60 per cent decrease in casualties.
