Julien Harneis, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen, issued a stark warning that children in the country are dying and that conditions are expected to worsen, with mortality and morbidity likely to rise significantly in the coming year. His alert follows recent clashes in eastern governorates, where forces affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) briefly attempted to expand their presence before being pushed back by Government-aligned forces backed by Saudi Arabia.
Yemen has been mired in conflict for over a decade, primarily between Houthi-led forces controlling the capital Sana’a and the internationally recognized government in Aden, supported by a Saudi-led coalition. Harneis described the situation as extraordinarily complex, highlighting rapid shifts in control over areas such as Aden, where STC forces temporarily took over government-held territories, creating uncertainty and unrest. Even after the STC claimed to have dissolved its movement, demonstrations suggested continued local influence, underscoring the fragile nature of stability in the country.
The ongoing conflict has been further complicated by the detention of UN staff and diplomats by Houthi rebels. Harneis emphasized the distress faced by families of the 69 staff members still held, some of whom have not seen their loved ones for five years and remain uncertain about their conditions or potential sentencing. This precarious situation has made the delivery of humanitarian aid and the pursuit of a political solution even more difficult.
The humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains severe. UN data indicates that over 20 million people—around half the population—are expected to face acute food insecurity, with tens of thousands at risk of famine-like conditions. The country’s health system is also collapsing, with more than 450 facilities already closed and thousands more in jeopardy due to funding shortages. Vaccination programs are under threat, leaving only two-thirds of children fully immunized, largely because of restricted access in northern areas.
Despite these challenges, UN partners managed to reach 3.4 million people with food assistance last year, as well as provide emergency support during floods and disease outbreaks. Harneis reflected on the dramatic deterioration over recent years, noting that the breakdown has had a terrifying impact on humanitarian workers and has exacerbated the vulnerability of Yemen’s population, highlighting the urgent need for sustained support and a credible political process to end the conflict.
