Alarming Hunger Crisis in Houthi-Controlled Areas Amid Repressive Measures

Recent United Nations reports reveal a troubling escalation of the hunger crisis in regions controlled by the Houthi militia. This situation coincides with repressive actions targeting hundreds of local employees working for the UN and humanitarian organizations, who now face severe restrictions and the constant threat of arrest.

UN Activities Halted Following Arrests

Local sources indicate that the UN suspended its operations in Houthi-controlled areas after the arrest of 69 of its staff members. This decision highlights the extent of violations against humanitarian efforts and casts a heavy shadow over millions of Yemenis who rely on aid in a country grappling with one of the worst humanitarian crises globally.

32% of Households Experience Hunger

The latest report from the World Food Programme (WFP) shows that 32% of households in Houthi territories faced moderate to severe hunger levels in November. This statistic indicates that one in five families suffers from significant food consumption gaps, accompanied by rising rates of acute malnutrition.

Moreover, the data reveals that hunger is more severe in Houthi areas compared to government-controlled regions, where only 25% of families report experiencing hunger.

Harsh Survival Strategies

The report also notes that 66% of families in Houthi areas resort to extreme coping strategies, such as skipping daily meals, compared to 58% in government-controlled regions. Additionally, 49% of families in Houthi territories restrict adult food consumption to prioritize children, while this figure stands at 44% in government areas.

The WFP attributes the worsening crisis to prolonged suspension of food aid, declining purchasing power, and limited livelihood opportunities.

Arrests and Restrictions on Humanitarian Workers

In parallel with the food crisis, relief sources confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the Houthis have prevented hundreds of Yemeni employees working for the UN and international organizations from leaving their controlled areas, imposing a form of house arrest.

According to sources, the militia utilized employee data previously submitted to organizations and circulated security lists at checkpoints from the outskirts of Sana’a to the front lines, making workers vulnerable to arrest at any moment.

The number of detained UN staff has risen to 69, with reports indicating that nearly 200 employees from international and local organizations have faced similar fates.

Eyewitness Accounts from Inside

A former employee and his wife recounted their escape to government-controlled areas with the help of smugglers after raids on their colleagues’ homes led to detentions. They described the situation in Sana’a as “intolerable,” stating that families of humanitarian workers now live in “hell” after losing job security and basic livelihoods.

UN Warnings

Humanitarian circles warn that the continuation of these policies will further politicize humanitarian work, deepen civilian suffering, and undermine the international community’s ability to respond to the growing needs in Yemen.

The situation remains critical as the humanitarian crisis unfolds, demanding urgent attention and action from the global community.

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