Office of the Special Envoy for Yemen
2.63K subscribers
371 photos
13 videos
13 files
544 links
This is the official Telegram account for the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen (OSESGY).

هذه قناة تيليجرام الرسمية لمكتب المبعوث الخاص للأمين العام للأمم المتحدة إلى اليمن.
Download Telegram
Griffiths: I strongly condemn the attack at #Aden airport upon the Cabinet's arrival & the killing and injury of many innocent civilians. My sincere condolences and solidarity to all who lost loved ones.
I wish the Cabinet strength in facing the difficult tasks ahead. This unacceptable act of violence is a tragic reminder of the importance of bringing #Yemen urgently back on the path towards peace.
United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths arrived today in #Aden. The Governor of Aden, Ahmad Lamlas, briefed Mr. Griffiths and his accompanying delegation on last week's horrific attack in Aden international airport that resulted in dozens of civilian deaths & injuries.
The UN Special Envoy for #Yemen, Martin Griffiths, briefed the #SecurityCouncil today on the latest developments in Yemen and the ongoing efforts to achieve peace in the war-torn country.
Mr. Griffiths reiterated his condemnation to the “vicious” attack on the Yemeni cabinet upon their arrival at #Aden airport on 30 December and offered once again his condolences to those who lost their loved ones. He noted the attack killed and injured dozens of civilians including government officials, humanitarian workers and a journalist.
He briefed the Council on his visit to Riyadh to meet President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi, and his visit to Aden to meet the Yemeni Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Governor of Aden.
“I want to express my solidarity with the new Government, which has demonstrated its resolve to stay in Aden despite the security risks to carry out its duties to the Yemeni people,” Mr. Griffiths said, “In Aden, the wreckage I saw at the attack site shook me. The extent of the damage was extraordinary.”
Mr. Griffiths further expressed concern about the effects of the decision by the United States to designate Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and fears that it would have a “chilling effect” on efforts to bring the parties together.
“I remain committed to engage with all parties, including Ansar Allah, designated or not, to end the conflict in #Yemen,” Mr. Griffiths said, “However, none of this is the slightest bit as important as the humanitarian consequences. I strongly associate myself with the view that the decision would contribute to the prospect of famine in Yemen and should be revoked based on humanitarian grounds at the earliest opportunity.”
Mr. Griffiths noted that these latest developments make the path towards peace harder than it was a month ago but stressed that “peace is possible where there is the will to make it happen.”
Special Envoy Griffiths reported to the Council that the negotiations of a #JointDeclaration to commit the parties to end the fighting, implement humanitarian measures to alleviate suffering and to resume the political process.
“I know that these negotiations on the Joint Declaration have been cumbersome and frustrating. But let me be clear, the parties can slice and dice the set of proposals contained in that #JointDeclaration any way they wish. It can be a whole package. It can be done in parts. None of us has no objection to the way these measures are adopted. And I still believe that it is right at this moment to pursue the proposals contained therein”, Mr. Griffiths said, “But we need to maintain our focus and that of the parties on the primary goal. The primary goal is to resume an inclusive political process designed to comprehensively end the conflict. For the parties, resuming the political process is more than an obligation, it is a duty.”
Read full briefing here: https://bit.ly/2XD4GzZ
In his briefing to the #SecurityCouncil, UN Special Envoy for #Yemen, Martin Griffiths reported dramatic deterioration in the conflict in #Yemen with the continuation of Ansar Allah’s offensive on #Marib and cross-border attacks. Mr. Griffiths also reported that airstrikes have recently hit #Sanaa, endangering civilians. He noted the escalation of fronts in #Hajjah, #Taiz and #Hudaydah.
Special Envoy Griffiths pointed to the Council the continued shortage of fuel in #Sanaa and surrounding governorates.
“Fuel imports have not been permitted to enter Hudaydah since January. This has contributed to the increase in cost of basic commodities and put hospitals and services at risk. It is vital that obstacles to imports and domestic distribution of fuel for civilian use are removed. I call on the parties to prioritize civilian needs above all else and not to weaponize the economy,” Mr. Griffiths said, “As a result, I call on our friends in the Government of Yemen to urgently permit the entry of fuel ships to Hudaydah without delay. We also believe very strongly that the revenues stemming from the fees and taxes of oil ships coming in should be exclusively used for the payment of the civil service salaries based on the 2014 payroll database.”
Mr. Griffiths also reported that the resources required to stabilize the economy, improve basic services and ensure security in #Aden and surrounding governorates are in short supply.
The Special Envoy drew the Council’s attention to the recent horrific fire in a #Sanaa detention facility which claimed the lives of dozens of Ethiopian migrants and injured over 170.
“There must be an independent investigation into the cause of the fire. All people in #Yemen, regardless of nationality, must be afforded protection," Mr. Griffiths stressed.
Mr. Griffiths briefed the Council on his latest efforts and explained that the urgent agenda of the United Nations consists of four points: a nationwide ceasefire, the opening of the Sana’a airport, ensuring the unhindered flow of fuel and other commodities through Hudaydah ports, and resuming the political process.
Mr. Griffiths emphasized that these three humanitarian measures will “ease the impact of the conflict on civilians, will facilitate Yemenis’ right to freedom of movement.”
Mr. Griffiths noted the diplomatic support to the United Nations plan and thanked the US Envoy, Tim Lenderking for his efforts.
“There should be no preconditions for resuming the political process, if we fail on these other matters. Resuming the process, and engaging seriously in it, is an obligation upon the warring parties,” Mr. Griffiths said,” I’m alarmed that the mere meeting across the table to discuss with us or with others or with each other the contours of ending the war is being framed by some as a concession rather than an obligation, as a transaction rather than a priority.”
Read the full briefing: https://bit.ly/2OuiMTD
The UN Special Envoy for #Yemen, Hans Grundberg, met with Yemeni Prime Minister, Maeen Abdulmalik, in #Aden.
Mr. Grundberg welcomed the return of the Prime Minister to Aden, discussed political developments, and reiterated the importance of the #RiyadhAgreement for stability, basic service delivery and the economy.
The UN Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg: "I strongly condemn the attack on a convoy carrying #Aden governor, Ahmed Lamlas, and the Yemeni Minister of Agriculture, Salem Al Soqatri. My heartfelt condolences for those who lost their lives.
Attacks like this deepen distrust and undermine efforts towards stability, security and peace."
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, briefed the #SecurityCouncil today about his recent consultations with the parties to the conflict and with other Yemeni, regional and international interlocutors, and on developments in #Yemen.
“In my conversations, Yemenis without exception stressed the necessity to end the war and highlighted the urgency of addressing economic and humanitarian concerns. Yemenis of all perspectives also acknowledged that their country can’t be effectively ruled by one group alone and that a durable peace will require pluralism,” Mr. Grundberg said, “The gap in trust between warring parties is wide and growing. The issue of sequencing of possible interim steps remains a preoccupation that overshadows the need to start discussing the parameters for an overall political settlement of the conflict.”
Special Envoy Grundberg pointed to the Council that he stressed in his discussions with the parties that while progress should be made on urgent humanitarian and economic matters, “a durable solution can only be achieved through a comprehensive negotiated political settlement”. He further emphasized that “there should be no preconditions for these urgent political talks” and that “humanitarian measures shouldn’t be used as political leverage.”
Mr. Grundberg highlighted the importance of including youth and women and stressed that “the rightful demands of Yemeni women and youth should be met by all parties to this conflict.”
Special Envoy Grundberg briefed on the military escalation in Yemen, particularly in #Marib and surrounding areas.
“As repeatedly stated in this Council, Ansar Allah’s military escalation in Marib must stop. The Secretary-General himself is following developments in #Abdiyah closely. And I reiterate the UN’s call on all parties to facilitate safe, timely and sustained humanitarian access to the affected areas,” Mr. Grundberg said.
Mr. Grundberg further pointed to the widespread human rights violations in recent weeks.
“We’ve seen public executions, enforced disappearances, killings, and the use of live ammunition against protestors in several areas of the country. The lack of accountability and impunity has diminished Yemenis’ faith in the possibility of peaceful co-existence and a future in which the rights of all Yemenis will be respected. It’s unfortunate that the mandate of the Group of Eminent Experts was not renewed. The UN will continue to press for accountability in Yemen,” Mr. Grundberg said.
Mr. Grundberg briefed on his visit to #Aden and said he welcomed the return of the Prime Minister as an important step for enhancing state institutions’ ability to respond to urgent economic needs and to improve basic service delivery. He stressed the importance of implementing the #RiyadhAgreement to regain stability in the south.
Looking forward, Mr. Grundberg said that a negotiated settlement is needed to end the violence once and for all, restore and reunite state institutions, pave the way for economic recovery and development. He stressed that sustainable peace requires accountable governance, justice, the rule of law, and the promotion and protection of human rights for Yemenis.
“The past weeks have illustrated the tension between the pace of the war and the economic collapse on one hand, and the time needed to devise and consult on a feasible way forward, on the other. My aim is to forge agreement on a way forward. I’ll count on your support in reinforcing to the warring parties that it is their responsibility to meet with, and engage seriously with each other under UN auspices,” Mr. Grundberg said.
Read full briefing at: https://bit.ly/3mWZxiq
United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, met with Prime Minister Dr. Maeen Saeed and Foreign Minister Ahmad Bin Mubarak today in #Aden . He explored possibilities for de-escalation in #Yemen, briefed on his discussions in the region and shared his concerns on the impact of the military operations in #Marib.
UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg condemns the assassination of pregnant journalist Rasha Abdullah in #Aden and the attempted killing of her husband Mahmoud Al-Atmi – another journalist.
“I offer my condolences to the bereaved family and reiterate my calls for justice and accountability. Journalists everywhere must be able to work without fear of retaliation."
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, briefed the #SecurityCouncil today about his recent consultations, the developments in #Yemen, and his vision for a sustainable solution and an inclusive Yemeni political process.

Special Envoy Grundberg stressed that military options will not result in sustainable solutions, pointing out that restraint, de-escalation and dialogue is necessary. He also reminded all the conflict actors, whether directly engaged or supporting, of their obligations under international humanitarian law.

Mr. Grundberg conveyed to the Council the strong sense of frustration and despair in #Aden, #Taiz and everywhere he met with Yemenis. “There's an urgent need for economic de-escalation and wider reforms to improve livelihoods, lower the cost of goods, and protect the currency," he said.

Mr. Grundberg explained to the Council that restrictions on freedom of movement, for both people and goods, continue to impose hardships on Yemenis, especially for women. “It is a serious issue across the country that needs to be seriously addressed by the parties and supported by the international community," he noted.

Speaking about the way forward, Mr. Grundberg emphasized that a serious commitment to peace requires "unconditional and regular access,” stressing that all channels of communication must remain open if there is a chance of finding a durable solution.

"As the conflict intensifies, and from discussions with Yemenis and others over the past three months, I'm convinced of the need for a comprehensive approach,” Special Envoy Grundberg said, stressing that immediate needs and priorities must be addressed in the context of a process gearing towards a comprehensive political settlement.

Mr. Grundberg noted that a solution will not be sustainable “if it doesn’t represent the interests of diverse Yemenis – both those who are involved in the fighting and those who are not”. “We need to work toward a just and sustainable peace, and not merely the absence of war."

He further highlighted the importance of an organized and coordinated international and regional support stressing that the support of the Security Council will be critical.

Mr. Grundberg said that he envisions an inclusive Yemeni owned and internationally-supported political process to support near-term solutions as well as identify and build consensus around the elements of a political settlement that sustainably ends the war and ensures Yemenis’ civil, political, social and cultural rights.

He concluded his briefing to the Council by saying that the process should be designed in a way that allows for parallel progress on different agenda items of importance to Yemenis and addresses the parties’ stated priorities in the context of a broader agenda that represents the interests of diverse Yemenis.

Read full briefing at: https://osesgy.unmissions.org/briefing-united-nations-security-council-special-envoy-yemen-hans-grundberg
UN Envoy for #Yemen Hans Grundberg held meetings in #Aden today with President of the Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi, as well as Foreign Minister Ahmed BinMubarak, to continue discussions on re-opening roads in Taiz and renewing the truce.

Discussions focused on the need to deliver results for civilians in Taiz & across #Yemen. Mr. Grundberg noted that renewing the truce is critical to solidify benefits delivered so far & provide space to move towards a political settlement.
UN Special Envoy’s military advisor Brigadier General Hayward has concluded his visit to #Yemen. Constructive discussions were held with representatives from the Military Coordination Committee and other security representatives in #Aden, #Taiz including #Hawban and #Sanaa.

The visit gave the military advisor a better understanding of the situation onthe ground and to prepare for the upcoming fourth meeting of the Military Coordination Committee in #Amman.
UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg met with President of the Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi in #Aden today to discuss the latest developments and the importance of the Yemeni parties seizing the current opportunity to bring an end to the conflict in #Yemen.
The Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen concluded a consultation meeting in #Aden. The consultation brought together 200 women activists, experts, academics, and political and civil society actors from across #Yemen to discuss their vision and priorities for forging an inclusive peace.
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, held a consultative meeting yesterday in #Aden with 30 youth and civil society activists, experts from across #Yemen.

The discussion explored potential scenarios in light of recent political developments, and tackled the priorities and needs of Yemenis at the local level, and the different roles the local, regional, and international stakeholders can play in paving a way for an inclusive Yemeni-owned peace process.

The participants stressed the importance of inclusivity and emphasized the aspirations of all Yemenis in achieving sustainable and just peace.

“I want to underline that civil society has a critical role in supporting the peace process, and in representing the Yemeni people, your role is not only to inspire our work but also inspire hope among the 30 million Yemenis we all serve,” Grundberg said in the meeting.
UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg visited #Aden and met with Rashad Al-Alimi, President of the Presidential Leadership Council. They exchanged views on the critical need for constructive dialogue aimed at broader de-escalation across #Yemen.

Grundberg voiced his concern for the well-being of the detained UN personnel, echoing the UN Secretary-General's urgent call for their immediate release.