Yemen Crisis Worsens: Millions Need Aid Amidst Houthi Policies, Report Claims

A new Yemeni human rights report alleges that the economic and administrative policies implemented by the Houthi militia in areas under their control have significantly exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The report warns of escalating poverty and hunger due to what it describes as systematic measures targeting the economy and citizens' livelihoods.

The Yemeni Women Empowerment Foundation, in a report titled "Internal Siege: Houthi Militia's Policies in Impoverishing and Subjugating Yemenis," stated that restrictions on economic activity and trade, coupled with other financial and administrative measures, have intensified the living pressures on millions of Yemenis.

The report highlights that UN and international indicators reveal approximately 19.5 million people in Yemen require humanitarian assistance and protection, while 17.1 million face food insecurity, with projections suggesting this number could rise to 18.3 million by 2026. It also notes that around 2.2 million children under five suffer from acute malnutrition, along with 1.3 million pregnant and breastfeeding women, amidst a continuous decline in economic and living conditions.

The report attributes the worsening crisis to the Houthi militia, citing measures such as the prohibition of trading new national currency, the cessation of salaries for hundreds of thousands of employees, the imposition of internal fees and levies, and restrictions on the movement of trade and fuel, including the closure of main roads. These actions have contributed to soaring prices of basic commodities and a decline in the purchasing power of families.

On the humanitarian front, the report indicates that the Houthi militia has detained 163 UN, international, and humanitarian aid workers. It also claims that 73 premises belonging to the UN and relief organizations were raided and confiscated, which, according to the report, has hampered aid operations at a time when humanitarian needs in the country are increasing.

Yemen has been experiencing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises for over a decade, resulting from war, political division, and economic deterioration. Millions of families depend on international aid to meet their basic needs.