[26/09/2026 12:14]

NEW YORK-SABA

Presidential Leadership Council Member Dr. Abdullah al-Alimi BaWazir met with UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher in New York to discuss Yemen’s worsening humanitarian situation and the impact of the latest Houthi military escalation.

Al-Alimi highlighted new casualties and displacement, growing pressure on host communities and basic services, and worsening food insecurity, stressing that continued escalation is increasing humanitarian needs.

He also warned of the broader economic impact of threats to ports, maritime routes and international shipping, which could disrupt the flow of goods and drive up transportation and essential service costs.

The meeting addressed restrictions on humanitarian operations, including the continued detention of UN and humanitarian workers and the seizure of UN premises and property. Al-Alimi called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained personnel.

He urged stronger UN operations from Aden and the liberated governorates, greater international support amid declining humanitarian funding, and a gradual shift from emergency relief toward recovery, development and institution-building.

Fletcher reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to working with the Yemeni government and humanitarian partners to address growing needs, protect humanitarian operations and ensure aid reaches those in need.

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