The United Nations recently declared a suspension of all humanitarian activities in a significant area of northern Yemen, which has been under Houthi control. This decision was prompted by the abrupt detention of U.N. staff members, creating increasingly dangerous conditions for aid operations in the region.
U.N. Halts Aid Efforts in Northern Yemen Following Staff Detentions by Houthis
U.N. Halts Aid Efforts in Northern Yemen Following Staff Detentions by Houthis
Humanitarian operations are suspended after the arrest of 24 aid workers, escalating concerns of safety for U.N. personnel in Houthi-controlled regions.
The suspension of aid efforts follows the arrest of eight U.N. workers at the end of January, bringing the total number of detained personnel since 2021 to 24. According to U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq, the Houthis' actions have breached an agreement made in December to halt staff detentions and work towards releasing those presently in custody, with the group arresting additional workers on vague charges related to espionage and foreign interference.
"This extraordinary and temporary measure seeks to balance the imperative to stay and deliver with the need to have the safety and security of the U.N. personnel and its partners guaranteed," stated the U.N. in an official announcement. Consequently, all staff travel to areas under Houthi control has been halted.
The Iran-backed Houthis are known as the de facto authority in several regions of Yemen, including the capital, Sana. Their track record includes a pattern of kidnappings and detentions involving hundreds of U.N. and foreign NGO workers, as well as many Yemenis with past affiliations to the U.S. government.
While the U.N. did not specify how many Yemenis would be impacted by this suspension of humanitarian aid, they identified Yemen as facing the world's largest humanitarian crisis. Approximately 80% of the 24.1 million residents are currently in urgent need of assistance, while about three million individuals are internally displaced due to ongoing conflict and instability.
"This extraordinary and temporary measure seeks to balance the imperative to stay and deliver with the need to have the safety and security of the U.N. personnel and its partners guaranteed," stated the U.N. in an official announcement. Consequently, all staff travel to areas under Houthi control has been halted.
The Iran-backed Houthis are known as the de facto authority in several regions of Yemen, including the capital, Sana. Their track record includes a pattern of kidnappings and detentions involving hundreds of U.N. and foreign NGO workers, as well as many Yemenis with past affiliations to the U.S. government.
While the U.N. did not specify how many Yemenis would be impacted by this suspension of humanitarian aid, they identified Yemen as facing the world's largest humanitarian crisis. Approximately 80% of the 24.1 million residents are currently in urgent need of assistance, while about three million individuals are internally displaced due to ongoing conflict and instability.
