UN stresses need for 'lasting peace' in Yemen conflict

MADRID, 16 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The UN special envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, celebrated on Monday the extension of the truce in the conflict until October 2, although he stressed the need to put a definitive end to the conflict.

"We have a joint responsibility to help Yemen and its people take the necessary and decisive steps towards peace. We need to end the conflict, not just manage it," Grundberg said, appealing to the international community.

Furthermore, the special envoy has pointed out that building "a lasting peace" is the solution to prevent renewed cycles of escalation and violence from occurring, with predictable and devastating consequences for the people of Yemen."

"Given the complexity of the issues being addressed and the time constraints we face, I call on the parties to show flexibility and respond positively if I ask them to come together to reach an agreement," the representative concluded.

For his part, Ghada Mudawi, a senior official at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, has indicated that the necessary actions to strengthen Yemen's economy would be an "essential lifeline" because the country's economic situation prevents citizens to buy food because most of it must be imported.

In addition, he has also shown his concern for the environment of humanitarian workers. "Aid work is still more difficult and dangerous than it should be," she criticized.

The first UN-brokered truce went into effect on April 2. Since then, it has been extended every two months. After more than four months, "it still holds up broadly in military terms," ​​Grundberg said.

As reported by the UN, there have been no major military operations or confirmed air strikes in the country thanks to the truce.

Despite a "significant decline" in civilian casualties, Grundberg said there is a "worrying development" in the number of child casualties in the country, now 40 percent of reported casualties.