As a result of the ongoing conflict, millions of Yemenis are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection.
In Yemen, a country that has endured nearly a decade of conflict, civilians are still suffering and the spread of the cholera epidemic is exacerbating, and sustained peace efforts are essential.
Griffiths pointed to the ongoing conflict as the main reason for the increase in humanitarian needs in Yemen. The conflict has severely weakened Yemen's economy, destroyed half of the country's health facilities, displaced millions of people, and rampant hunger and disease.
These challenges have been exacerbated by the recent cholera outbreak, which now stands at more than 40,000 suspected cases and the death toll is not rising, especially in Houthi-controlled areas, where hundreds of new infections are reported every day.
In addition, Griffiths expressed concern about the upcoming torrential rains and floods, natural disasters that will exacerbate the crisis in the coming weeks.
The haze of the war in Gaza
The Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, also briefed the Security Council, noting that both the Yemeni government and the Houthis agreed to "a series of commitments" in December, including a nationwide ceasefire.
These commitments are aimed at ensuring humanitarian relief for Yemenis and initiating an inclusive political process to bring the conflict to a sustainable end.
However, challenges remain due to the war in Gaza and wider regional instability, and the Houthis' announcement of an expanded attack is a "worrying provocation in an already volatile situation".
Sustain progress
Commenting on the impact of the regional conflict, Griffiths stressed that the disruption of global trade around the Red Sea should not be allowed to undermine Yemen's peace efforts.
He expressed deep concern for the civilian population in Yemen and called on the international community to provide concerted support and an end to hostile economic measures, and called on the warring parties to do their part to de-escalate the situation.
He also urged the resumption of oil exports to stabilize the economy and strengthen key public services.
Carry something through to the end
Griffiths, who is set to step down in June due to health reasons, stressed the importance of Yemen to him in his speech.
"Nearly three years ago, my first briefing to the Council as Emergency Relief Coordinator was on Yemen," he said. Today is my last briefing to the Council, and it seems fitting that I would like to brief you on the situation in Yemen. ”
Griffiths concluded by saying that the Yemeni people deserve relief after a decade of suffering in the shadow of the conflict. He also stressed the importance of protecting civilians, ensuring humanitarian access and contributing to the achievement of lasting peace.
