Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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January 14, 2026 Peace and security
In recent months, Yemen has experienced a series of significant events that have changed key political realities and impacted the security situation, UN Special Representative for the country Hans Grundberg said at a UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday.
Grundberg noted that recent events in southern Yemen demonstrated "how quickly a fragile balance can be upset and how important it is to re-establish the process within a credible political framework." He said de-escalation had been achieved in recent days, but the security situation in certain areas remains volatile.
An integrated political approach
The UN representative emphasized that "the future of the south of the country cannot be determined by one side or by force" and that only Yemenis themselves, including all their diverse views, can find a sustainable solution. He welcomed President Rashad al-Alimi's initiative to convene a dialogue involving southern forces with the support of Saudi Arabia.
The Special Representative emphasized that without a comprehensive approach, “the risk of recurring and destabilizing cycles will remain the country’s permanent trajectory.”
According to Grundberg, Yemenis across the country speak of the same priorities: “service delivery, salaries, freedom of movement, and institutions that serve the people, not factions.”
He also expressed grave concern over the continued detention of UN staff and representatives of other agencies in Sana'a, calling for their immediate release.
The humanitarian situation is worsening
Speaking on behalf of UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, Ramesh Rajasingham, a representative of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, reported that the humanitarian crisis in Yemen had deepened further in early 2026.
According to the rapporteur, more than 18 million people will face acute food insecurity as early as next month. Nearly half of children under five suffer from acute malnutrition. However, due to a lack of funding, only two million of the nearly eight million people in need received assistance last year. More than 2,500 feeding programs were closed.
More than 450 health facilities have already closed, and another 2,300 are at risk of losing funding. Only two-thirds of children are fully vaccinated, and the country is facing the world's largest measles outbreaks and some of the highest rates of polio and cholera.
Nevertheless, humanitarian partners continue to save lives: in 2025, they supported more than 3,000 health facilities and vaccinated millions of children.
In conclusion, the OCHA representative addressed three requests to the Security Council: to immediately secure the release of 73 UN staff members, to increase funding for humanitarian aid, and to maintain Security Council unity on Yemen.
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