Amina Zaki: How would you describe the current humanitarian situation in Yemen after years of suffering? To what extent are current events in the Middle East and the Red Sea contributing to the suffering of Yemenis? What are the latest developments in the truce between the United States and the Houthis, and how it does contribute to peace in Yemen?

UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg: The situation in Yemen continues to be shaped not just by internal dynamics but also by what’s happening across the region, including the ongoing tragedy in Gaza. What we’ve seen in recent weeks, the attacks on Ben Gurion Airport by Ansar Allah, followed by Israeli strikes on Hudaydah Port and Sana’a Airport has been deeply alarming. Yemen is once again caught in the crossfire of regional escalation, with ripple effects for Yemenis.

That’s why the announcement by Oman on May 6 of a cessation of hostilities between the United States and Ansar Allah is a step in the right direction—one that could help calm tensions not just in the Red Sea, but also within Yemen. It gives us a much-needed opening to refocus on what really matters: moving toward peace in Yemen, and also provide sustainable guarantees for the regional and international community that this critical international waterway will not be subject to insecurity and attacks.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it, there is no sustainable solution for Yemen except through a negotiated political settlement. I continue to engage with all sides—Yemeni parties, regional actors, including Egypt, and international partners—to create the conditions for meaningful dialogue. I met with Foreign Minister Abdelatty on the 1st of June in Amman and had a constructive discussion with him on the situation in Yemen.

We have seen in practice that dialogue works – from the 2022 truce to the 2023 commitments made by the parties. It can make progress possible with tangible benefits on people’s lives. What we need is to build on those steps, keep the channels open, and make sure Yemenis are the ones shaping their future. That’s what the United Nations is here to support.

Zaki: Despite various efforts to bring peace to Yemen, why don't we see any tangible progress toward peace?

Grundberg: That’s a fair question, and one I hear often from Yemenis themselves. The truth is, there’s still deep mistrust between the parties, harsh rhetoric, repeated cycles of attacks and retaliation, and a regional landscape that remains volatile. Add to that an economy on the brink, and you begin to see just how difficult the environment is. But all those obstacles can be overcome, if we reinforce our efforts and refocus on a peace process led and owned by Yemenis.

While there are many things that divide the parties, there are some clear priorities that both the parties to the conflict and Yemenis at large agree on: a lasting ceasefire backed by solid security arrangements; economic relief—starting with salaries being paid and access to basic necessities like fuel;  and, most importantly, a restart of shaping their future through an inclusive political process.

We’re working on all fronts, politically, economically, and on the security side to turn those commitments into tangible progress, with Yemenis at the center of every conversation. That includes direct engagement with the parties, coordination with regional and international actors, and outreach to political groups, civil society, women, youth, and others whose voices need to be heard. Yemen is diverse, and the peace process must reflect that.

Zaki: What are the implications of Washington's designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization for the situation in Yemen?

Grundberg: To be clear, the U.S. designation of Ansar Allah is ultimately a sovereign decision.. But what I can say with certainty is this; Yemen’s conflict won’t be solved through unilateral moves, no matter who makes them.

What is needed is a political solution, one that comes from serious, good-faith negotiations and is supported by a coordinated international effort. While member states can take unilateral actions, we still need all key actors pulling in the same direction and supporting the UN-led peace process. I am staying closely engaged with everyone involved, Yemeni parties, regional players, and the wider international community, to keep the focus on what really matters: addressing the root causes of the conflict through dialogue and moving toward a just and lasting peace.

Zaki: What are the latest developments in the UN-sponsored roadmap?

Grundberg: Back in late 2023, the parties agreed on a set of commitments: a nationwide ceasefire, measures to address urgent economic and humanitarian needs, and to begin preparing for an inclusive political process.

Of course, the environment has changed since those commitments were made. The regional situation has become more volatile, especially in the Red Sea, and that’s made progress harder. But if anything, these developments have only made it clearer how urgent it is to get back on a political track that includes a sustainable ceasefire, a functioning economy, and a political process that brings Yemenis together to decide their future.

Zaki: How does the UN view the arbitrary and prolonged detention of UN staff and workers from international and local humanitarian organizations by the Houthis?

Grundberg: The arbitrary and prolonged detention of UN staff, and of colleagues working with international, local humanitarian organizations, diplomatic missions and civil society by Ansar Allah, is unacceptable on every level.

These are people who have dedicated their lives to helping others, often in the most difficult and dangerous environments. They are not just professionals, they are mothers, fathers, sons, daughters working with a deep sense of humanity and service to their communities. And yet, they’ve been held for months, in violation of international law and the most basic principles of human dignity.

I’ve raised this issue in every channel available to me. I’ve raised it with Ansar Allah directly, with regional actors, and with international partners. I’ve made it clear: detaining people whose job is to help Yemenis undermines not only humanitarian work, but also the credibility of efforts to bring peace to this country.

We’ve seen some recent releases and I welcome those. But it’s not enough. Too many remain behind bars. Too many families are still waiting, not knowing when or if their loved ones will come home.

So let me say this as clearly as I can; the United Nations calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained UN, diplomatic, civil society and humanitarian personnel.

Zaki: What about the participation of Yemeni women in peacemaking in Yemen?

Grundberg: The meaningful participation of Yemeni women in the peace process isn’t a courtesy, it’s a necessity. For years, women have been leading efforts to mediate local conflicts, support their communities, and build resilience amid years of war and hardship. And yet, their voices are still too often missing from formal political and peace negotiations tables. That’s a gap we cannot afford. From where I stand—and from the United Nations’ perspective—any peace process that excludes women is incomplete, and any outcome from such a process risks being unsustainable. A truly inclusive process is the only real path to lasting peace and stability in Yemen. A future Yemen that is just, peaceful, and sustainable must be one where women are full participants in shaping that future.

My Office has engaged hundreds of Yemeni stakeholders – including women, youth, tribal leaders, and marginalized groups  in several places inside and outside Yemen, through digital and in-person dialogues, focus groups, and outreach campaigns to ensure that women are not only present, but actively informing all three tracks; political, economic and security. I am committed to ensuring that women’s perspectives are integrated into every stage of peacemaking, and I will not relent in pushing the parties towards that direction.

Zaki: What is the best solution to end the war, initiate peace, and the post-peacebuilding phase?

Grundberg: After more than a decade of war, most Yemenis I speak with are not asking for miracles; they’re asking for peace they can count on, a future where they can rebuild their lives with dignity. And to get there, we need to be honest: there is no quick fix.

Ending this war starts with a nationwide ceasefire that all parties respect and uphold. Yemenis have been clear, this is a top priority. The parties themselves committed to such a ceasefire back in December 2023. But for that to hold, it needs to be built on something stronger than a mutual understanding. It needs trust. And trust doesn’t appear overnight, it grows through engagement, confidence-building measures, and honest efforts to reduce tension on the ground.

That’s why my team and I are in constant contact with military and political actors across Yemen. We’re supporting conversations that open space for practical actions—like reopening roads, resolving local disputes face-to-face, and maintaining active coordination through channels like the Military Coordination Committee – established during the 2022 truce. These may seem like small things, but they’re what prevent misunderstandings from turning into escalation.

Peace is not just the absence of fighting; it’s the presence of stability, opportunity, and justice. That’s why economic recovery has to go hand in hand with a ceasefire. Civil servants need to be paid. Fuel needs to flow. Basic services have to function. We have put forward technical proposals to help stabilize the economy and restore purchasing power—especially for the most vulnerable, including women who continue to be hit the hardest.

And of course, we need an inclusive political process, one that gives Yemenis from every background, region, and identity the chance to shape their future. That’s how you build peace that lasts. But none of this will work without strong regional and international backing. Unity in the Security Council is also essential.

While this work may sound like a distant ideal future, it is absolutely possible and pragmatic. And Yemenis deserve nothing less. My commitment, and the commitment of the United Nations, is to keep pushing forward with patience, resolve, and humility. Because even in the most difficult circumstances, peace is always within reach.