Source: United Nations (video statements)
UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg said, “We have never given up on our detained staff, and we continue to pursue every avenue, at all levels, to resolve this issue.”
Addressing the Security Council, Grundberg said that in Yemen there are early positive signs in government areas, including improvements in the provision of electricity and payment of public sector salaries.
He highlighted, “However, continued tensions, recent security incidents and demonstrations, where in some cases violence and loss of life has been reported, underscore the fragility of the situation. Improvements in service delivery can be reversed if security deteriorates, if economic reforms stall, or if institutions are pulled in competing directions. I am particularly concerned about recent attacks targeting media institutions and journalists, including in Aden.”
He stressed, “Stabilization in any part of the country will not be durable if the broader conflict in Yemen is not addressed comprehensively. It is high time to take decisive steps in that regard. Without a wider negotiated political settlement to the conflict, gains will continue to remain vulnerable to reversal.”
He also said, “Today 73 UN colleagues in addition to other former UN staff are detained, along with others from civil society and diplomatic missions. Many have been held incommunicado, with serious concerns about their conditions and wellbeing. Some have been referred to Ansar Allah’s special criminal court, which is proceeding with trials that fall far short of basic due process. We have never given up on our detained staff, and we continue to pursue every avenue, at all levels, to resolve this issue. I call on Ansar Allah to unconditionally and immediately release detained staff and rescind all court referrals. I urge regional and international actors to use their influence to push for these same outcomes.”