UN Envoy Issues Urgent Statement on Yemen Prisoner Agreement

AMMAN — The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen released an urgent statement Saturday addressing the stalled implementation of the prisoner exchange agreement reached in Amman.

Hans Grundberg, the UN envoy, expressed deep concern over the indefinite postponement of the deal, which was scheduled to begin this weekend under UN and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) auspices. 

He urged both the Yemeni government and Houthi movement to honor their commitments and prioritize humanitarian considerations over political disputes.

“The release of detainees is a vital humanitarian measure that can ease the suffering of thousands of families across Yemen,” the statement read. 

Grundberg emphasized that the agreement represents a critical confidence-building step in the broader peace process.

The envoy called on all parties to refrain from actions that could undermine trust and to cooperate fully with the ICRC in facilitating safe and dignified transfers. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum in negotiations to prevent further setbacks.

The UN reiterated its readiness to continue mediation and stressed that the success of the prisoner exchange is essential to advancing dialogue and alleviating Yemen’s humanitarian crisis.