Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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January 19, 2026 Peace and security
In Yemen, a new wave of political instability and economic hardships linked to the ongoing conflict threaten to worsen the situation for millions of people suffering from hunger, disease, and forced displacement, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator Julien Arnet warned on Monday.
"To put it bluntly, children are dying – and the situation will only get worse," Arne told reporters in Geneva. "I'm afraid the world will only hear about this when death and infection rates rise sharply later this year."
This warning comes after a recent attempt by forces affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to expand their presence in the resource-rich and strategically important eastern provinces of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra. Earlier this month, Saudi-backed government forces reportedly recaptured these areas.
Fragile political situation
The current crisis is unfolding after more than ten years of fighting between the Ansar Allah movement, which controls the capital Sana'a, and the internationally recognized government in Aden, which is supported by a Saudi-led coalition.
"This is an extremely complex situation," Arne emphasized. "Just last month in Aden, we saw how the Yemeni government initially took control, then within 48 hours, the Southern Transitional Council took control of all government areas, including those where it had never been present before."
Four weeks later, an STC delegation, while in Riyadh, announced the "dissolution" of the movement and the return of control to the government. "But at the same time, demonstrations are taking place in Aden, declaring, 'No, we haven't disbanded, we're still here,'" the UN representative explained.
Previously, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg warned the Security Council, that these events show how quickly fragile stability can be undermined without a credible and inclusive political process.
Detentions of UN employees
An additional obstacle remains the continued detention of UN staff, diplomatic missions and other institutions by Houthi forces.
"This is a terrible situation for the families. Some haven't seen their loved ones in five years. They don't know the conditions they're being held in, don't know where they are, and don't know if they'll be sentenced to death in the coming days," Arne said.
Millions on the brink of starvation
According to the latest UN data, more than 20 million Yemenis – about half the country's population – will face acute food shortages as early as next month. Tens of thousands of people could find themselves in conditions close to full-blown famine. "We expect the situation to get significantly worse in 2026," the UN coordinator emphasized.
The healthcare system has also been disrupted: over 450 medical facilities have already closed, and thousands more are at risk of losing funding. Vaccination programs are at risk, and a third of children in Yemen have not received all their required vaccinations, primarily due to lack of access to the northern regions.
"The way economic and political decisions are being made is causing the food crisis to worsen across the country," Arne noted. "We will see significant changes: the healthcare system will no longer be able to receive the same level of support."
Despite limited access, UN partner agencies were able to provide food assistance to 3.4 million people last year, as well as emergency support to Yemenis affected by floods and disease outbreaks.
The UN has been working in Yemen since the 1960s, promoting development and protecting the most vulnerable populations. "And suddenly, in recent years, the progress achieved is being reversed—it's inexplicable," Arne said. "This is very frightening for humanitarian workers."
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