In a significant move, the United Nations has suspended all humanitarian efforts in a large area of northern Yemen controlled by the Iran-backed Houthis. This action is a direct consequence of the Houthis' continuing arbitrary detentions of aid workers, which the UN has labelled as creating hostile operational conditions.
UN Halts Humanitarian Aid in Houthi-Controlled Yemen Amid Staff Detentions
UN Halts Humanitarian Aid in Houthi-Controlled Yemen Amid Staff Detentions
The UN's decision to suspend operations follows the detainment of staff by Houthi forces.
On February 10, 2025, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres revealed that the Houthis had apprehended eight additional UN staff members in late January, raising the total number detained since 2021 to 24. U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq indicated that this detainment breaches a prior agreement established in December, which mandated a halt to the arrests of UN personnel and aimed to devise a plan for the release of those currently held.
In a statement, the UN explained that this extraordinary temporary measure is intended to safeguard the safety and security of their staff, while still addressing the humanitarian needs of the local population. The suspension includes stopping all staff travel to Houthi territories where both aid and a wide array of essential services are currently offered, including food, clean water, and medical supplies.
The Houthis, who function as the de facto authorities in parts of Yemen such as the capital Sana, have been involved in a broader trend of kidnapping and detaining individuals associated with international humanitarian organizations and foreign governments. The U.N. spokesperson did not specify the number of Yemenis affected by the aid operation suspension, but highlighted that Yemen is experiencing the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with 80% of its population of 24.1 million requiring urgent assistance and about three million people displaced.
In a statement, the UN explained that this extraordinary temporary measure is intended to safeguard the safety and security of their staff, while still addressing the humanitarian needs of the local population. The suspension includes stopping all staff travel to Houthi territories where both aid and a wide array of essential services are currently offered, including food, clean water, and medical supplies.
The Houthis, who function as the de facto authorities in parts of Yemen such as the capital Sana, have been involved in a broader trend of kidnapping and detaining individuals associated with international humanitarian organizations and foreign governments. The U.N. spokesperson did not specify the number of Yemenis affected by the aid operation suspension, but highlighted that Yemen is experiencing the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with 80% of its population of 24.1 million requiring urgent assistance and about three million people displaced.
