The United Nations announced Monday the suspension of its humanitarian operations in the Houthi rebel stronghold in Yemen following the detention of eight additional UN staff members. This action impacts the global response to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
In a statement, the UN cited the absence of adequate security assurances and conditions as the rationale for this “extraordinary” decision to halt all programs and operations in northern Saada province.
A Houthi spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In recent months, the rebels have detained numerous UN personnel, along with individuals affiliated with aid organizations, civil society groups, and the formerly operational U.S. Embassy in Sanaa. No UN staff members have been released.
The UN statement explained that the operational pause aims to allow the Houthis and the UN to arrange for the release of arbitrarily detained personnel and establish the necessary conditions for delivering vital humanitarian aid in rebel-controlled regions.
The statement detailed that the latest detentions—occurring late last month—involved six individuals working in Saada, located on Yemen’s northern border with Saudi Arabia.
Seven UN agencies operate in Saada, including the World Food Programme, and UNICEF, alongside several international aid organizations, according to the UN humanitarian agency.
Late last month, the UN suspended all travel to Houthi-controlled areas.
The conflict in Yemen has claimed the lives of more than 150,000 people, including both combatants and civilians. Since 2014, the Iranian-backed Houthis have been engaged in conflict with Yemen’s internationally recognized government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, after seizing Sanaa and much of the north from their Saada stronghold.
The UN projected that over 19 million people across Yemen will require humanitarian assistance this year, grappling with climate-related impacts, malnutrition, cholera, and the economic consequences of war.
The rebels have imprisoned thousands during the war. Recently, they have intensified their crackdown on dissent, including the recent sentencing of 44 individuals to death.
In January, the Houthis released 153 war detainees unilaterally, as part of several gestures to de-escalate tensions following the Gaza ceasefire. Such prisoner releases have been seen as potential catalysts for negotiations aimed at permanently ending the Yemeni conflict.