In Focus: Yemen
The Secretary-General strongly condemns the continued arbitrary detentions of its personnel and its partners, as well as the ongoing unlawful seizure of UN premises and assets in areas under Houthi control.
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Overview
Yemen is enduring one of the most protracted and devastating crises in recent history, as years of political instability and armed conflict continue to take a heavy toll on the population and the region.
Since unrest erupted in 2011, the country has been locked in a complex political and humanitarian crisis that has uprooted millions, decimated the economy, and left basic services in ruins.
The situation on the ground remains dire. Millions struggle daily to access food, healthcare, and education, while the most vulnerable – including women and girls, persons with disabilities, migrants and internally displaced people – face heightened protection risks and barriers to survival.
Amid ongoing climate shocks and displacement, Yemen’s economic collapse and worsening food insecurity are driving families further into desperation. In 2025, an estimated 19.5 million people will require humanitarian assistance and protection – an increase of over one million from the previous year.
The UN-led humanitarian response plan for 2025 prioritizes lifesaving support for the most vulnerable amid a complex, evolving landscape.
On the political front, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen continues to facilitate mediation efforts, aiming to build trust between parties, secure a lasting nationwide ceasefire and launch an inclusive Yemeni-led political process that reflects the aspirations of all Yemenis.
In this In Focus section, stay informed with UN News’ ongoing coverage of the crisis, its far-reaching impacts, the UN system’s response to alleviate suffering, and international efforts to advance peace in Yemen.
A decade of conflict: ‘Almost 40 million Yemenis have waited far too long’
15 January 2025 – The United Nations has warned of serious consequences if the conflict in Yemen continues to escalate and drags into a second decade, amid growing regional instability and attacks on critical infrastructure.
In a January briefing to the Security Council, UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg said hostilities had intensified in recent months, particularly following a series of Red Sea attacks launched by Yemen’s Houthi forces.
The attacks have triggered military responses from several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel, leading to a further deterioration in security across the region. Key infrastructure has suffered as a result, with strikes damaging Yemen’s Red Sea ports and Sana’a International Airport, severely disrupting humanitarian aid operations.
Statements by the Secretary-General or his spokesperson on Yemen
- Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the continued public accusations made by the Houthis against United Nations personnel in Yemen (17 October 2025)
- Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on additional UN Personnel arbitrarily detained by Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen (6 October 2025)
- Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Yemen (27 September 2025)
- Statement by the Secretary-General – on additional detention of United Nations personnel in Yemen (31 August 2025)
- Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the situation in Yemen (19 April 2025)
- Note to Correspondents: on the recent developments in Yemen (17 March 2025)
- Statement by the Secretary-General on the Death of a WFP Staff Member in Detention in Yemen (11 February 2025)
- Note to Correspondents: on the pause of UN operations in Sa’ada governorate of Yemen (10 February 2025)
- Statement by the Secretary-General – on detention of United Nations personnel in Yemen (24 January 2025)
- Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Yemen (26 December 2024)
On 1 March 2021, the United Nations and the Governments of Sweden and Switzerland convened a virtual High-Level Pledging Event to contribute to the Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan, Country-Based Pooled Fund and the Central Emergency Response Fund for 2021 and beyond.
Despite that millions of Yemenis desperately need more aid to survive, Secretary-General António Guterres described the outcome as “disappointing” as it not only fell short of the $3.85 billion appealed for, but also totalled less than last year’s humanitarian response, and a billion dollars less than the funds raised in 2019.
The United Nations provided support for the negotiations between the Government and the opposition, which resulted in the signing of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism in Riyadh on 23 November 2011. The United Nations has since remained actively engaged with all Yemeni political groupings to facilitate and provide support for the effective implementation of the GCC Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Hans Grundberg of the United Kingdom as his Special Envoy for Yemen in August 2021, replacing Martin Griffiths.
After more than six years of escalating conflict, The humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains the worst in the world. Assessments confirm that more than 16 million people will go hungry this year, and nearly 50,000 are already living in famine-like conditions. At the same time, Yemen continues to grapple with the effects of cholera, COVID-19, forced displacement, protection risks and other serious challenges.
And as of 31 July, 7,131 COVID-19 cases had been officially confirmed, with 1,384 associated deaths and a 19.4 per cent case fatality rate. All of the cases were reported are from the southern governorates, as the pandemic is not recognized in the north.