réunion du Conseil de sécurité sur le Yémen
Summary of UN Security Council Meeting on Yemen
On Wednesday, the UN Security Council convened for its monthly open briefing and closed consultations focusing on Yemen. The discussions featured contributions from Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, and Tom Fletcher, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs. They were joined by a representative from civil society, specifically involved in the "Women, Peace, and Security" agenda.
The session, led by Greece—this month’s Council president and a signatory to the Common Commitments on Women, Peace, and Security—was set to center around issues related to this agenda.
Humanitarian Crisis Overview
The humanitarian situation in Yemen remains dire, exacerbated by deteriorating economic conditions, security challenges affecting humanitarian operations, the collapse of essential services, and a significant funding deficit. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that, as of May 13, the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for Yemen for 2025 was only 9% funded, marking the lowest financial coverage in over a decade.
OCHA highlighted an urgent need for $1.42 billion to assist 8.8 million people by the end of the year. The crisis is particularly devastating for children; it has been noted that approximately 2.4 million children under five years suffer from acute malnutrition, alongside 1.5 million pregnant and breastfeeding women.
UNICEF Initiative
In response, UNICEF announced a new initiative aimed at combating malnutrition in Yemen, targeting 32 priority districts across 12 governorates. The program’s goal is to accelerate efforts to reduce undernutrition in children and vulnerable populations.
Fletcher is also expected to address other challenges faced by Yemeni children, such as exposure to landmines and lack of access to education, which continue to threaten their well-being and development.
Overall, the meeting emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian action and highlighted key areas of concern, particularly the impact of the ongoing crisis on vulnerable populations, especially children and women. The urge for increased funding and comprehensive support remains critical as Yemen navigates through one of its most challenging periods.
Key Points to Note
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Humanitarian Funding: The HRP is critically underfunded at just 9%, necessitating an immediate funding push of $1.42 billion.
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Child Malnutrition: The alarming rates of malnutrition among children and women are a focal point of concern.
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UNICEF’s Initiative: Targeted interventions are being launched to address malnutrition in key districts.
- Challenges Beyond Nutrition: The threats posed by landmines and educational barriers complicate recovery efforts for children.
In summary, the UN Security Council’s discussions underscored the pressing humanitarian needs in Yemen and the importance of collective action to address the country’s multifaceted crises, with a particular emphasis on the effects on women and children.
