Some UN organizations do not dare to denounce Houthi abuses because they fear that their work inside Yemen will be affected, officials at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) charged.
KSRelief spokesman Samer al-Jatili said that new reports revealed that the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen are preventing civilians from leaving Hodeidah to liberated areas.
He listed during a press conference in Riyadh a number of programs implemented by the Center, including educational projects and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the displaced.
“Some international organizations fear that denouncing Houthis will affect their work inside Yemen,” added the spokesman.
He announced that Saudi Arabia topped the list of donors in Yemen with this aid amounting to $11.1 billion. This aid covered several sectors including a donation to the Central Bank.
In cooperation with 80 partners, KSRelief implemented 296 projects throughout Yemen over the past three years. He added that the center has implemented a water sanitation program in Hodeidah and programs to combat malnutrition and dengue fever.
Jatili explained that a plan has been set for Hodeidah to establish a sea aid corridor that connects it to Aden. He announced that the Houthis continue to disrupt ships from docking at Hodeidah port.
The Saudi-led Arab coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen provided aid worth some $16 billion, including medical and food aid in three years, according to the spokesman, who added that Saudi Arabia alone provided $11 billion.
He also noted that UN organizations lack detailed reports on the abuses committed by the Houthis and face a problem of transparency.
Jatili accused the militias of using civilians as human shields and blocking the delivery of aid.
KSRelief Director of Medical Assistance, Dr. Abdullah al-Moallem referred to some health issues that existed in Yemen four years ago, saying the Houthi coup has exacerbated these problems.
Houthi militias are barring food, air and medicine, from reaching citizens, he added.
He also pointed to the several victims of mine explosions. The Center treated the wounded, he said, adding that Houthis concealed several mines as toys to target children.
Moallem asserted the Center will continue its assistance to Yemeni children, who were recruited by the militias, stressing that KSRelief will continue to operate hospitals in Yemen.
