On December 11, 2024, UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, stated that Yemen is at a crossroads, facing two options: to continue down a disastrous path of unresolved conflict or to collaborate on addressing economic issues to pave the way for growth and potential peace.

During his briefing to the UN Security Council in its final session of 2024 concerning Yemen, Grundberg emphasized the urgent need for Yemenis to choose between the ongoing conflict and the pursuit of peace. He noted that Yemenis have suffered greatly in recent months and are in dire need of stability, asserting that the objectives outlined in the roadmap for peace remain achievable.

Grundberg urged Yemeni parties to revive the roadmap, which he believes could facilitate a ceasefire, sustainable salary payments, and preparations for an inclusive political process.

On July 23, the UN envoy announced that the Yemeni government and the Houthis had agreed on several measures to de-escalate tensions in the banking sector and Yemen Airways, including the cancellation of recent decisions against banks and the resumption of flights between Sana'a and Jordan, as well as to Cairo and India.

"I firmly believe that this remains possible, but action, compromise, and a sincere focus on Yemen are essential to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people and restore hope for a peaceful future," he stated.

He also highlighted the urgent need for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians, referencing recent violence in Taiz, including a deadly drone strike on a market in Al-Maqbana.

Grundberg pointed out that the recent uptick in violence underscores the necessity for a ceasefire agreement and called on Yemeni parties to engage meaningfully with efforts to implement the roadmap.

In his remarks, he addressed the issue of "partisan interests," which he claimed increasingly threaten civil society, constraining its space and targeting participants in meetings. He stated that this not only restricts their work and intimidates them but also constitutes a violation of their rights, undermining the essential foundations for an inclusive process.

The civil space continues to shrink, he noted, mentioning recent abductions by the Houthis affecting individuals from international and national organizations, diplomatic missions, civil society, and private sector entities.

While three detainees have been released, many, including a member of his office, remain unlawfully detained, with some denied basic humanitarian contact with their families. Grundberg condemned these arbitrary detentions as gross violations of fundamental human rights, causing profound suffering for their families.

He called for the immediate and unconditional release of all conflict-related detainees, noting that some have been in custody for ten years despite ongoing efforts and numerous meetings through his office with prisoner committees from various parties.

"All parties must respect their commitments under the Stockholm Agreement and continue to engage with my office in good faith to address this critical humanitarian issue," he urged.

On December 23 of the previous year, the UN announced that Yemeni parties had reached understandings to commit to a series of measures, including a nationwide ceasefire, improving living conditions, and preparing for a resumption of an inclusive political process under UN auspices.

The roadmap and peace efforts in Yemen have stalled due to Houthi attacks against commercial shipping in the Red and Arabian Seas and the Gulf of Aden since November.