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