A new wave of arrests by Yemen’s Houthi movement has sparked fear among the United Nations and international aid workers operating in rebel-held areas, raising concerns that life-saving assistance could grind to a halt. At least 18 UN employees have been detained in recent weeks, part of a broader campaign that aid officials say has created an atmosphere of terror.
UNICEF warned that the risk of hunger and protection crises is reaching alarming levels, driven by displacement and the collapse of livelihoods. More than 12.5 million people in Houthi-controlled areas are in urgent need of humanitarian aid, according to UN figures.
Several aid workers told Asharq Al-Awsat they now face an impossible choice: flee Houthi areas - losing their jobs and income in a country where the economy has collapsed - or remain under the constant threat of arrest. Many believe the campaign, in which detained staff are accused of espionage, is aimed at sidelining employees unwilling to pledge loyalty to the group. If veteran aid workers are forced out, the sources warned, UN agencies could be left with no choice but to hire staff aligned with Houthi interests.
This strategy mirrors the group’s closure of local NGOs, which enabled it to control beneficiary lists and aid distribution as the sole local partner in large swathes of Yemen.
Houthi leaders have dismissed international condemnation, claiming they are dismantling “spy cells” involved in crimes, including the recent Israeli strike that killed members of their cabinet. In a statement, the group insisted its actions comply with Islamic law, national legislation, and international human rights norms, though it argued UN immunities do not cover espionage.
UN envoy Hans Grundberg warned that detentions, raids on UN offices, and confiscation of assets pose a “serious threat” to the organization’s ability to deliver assistance, stressing that all staff must be protected under international law.
UNICEF confirmed that some of its staff, including the deputy country director in Sana’a, are among the detainees. The agency highlighted that 19.5 million Yemenis will need humanitarian aid this year, with 500,000 children at risk of acute malnutrition and nearly 18 million people lacking access to basic healthcare. Poor sanitation could leave 17.4 million exposed to deadly diseases, while 4.5 million children remain out of school.
The UN’s 2025 response plan seeks $2.47 billion to reach 10.5 million of the most vulnerable, but only 13.6 percent has been funded. UNICEF alone requires $212 million to assist 8 million people, including 5.2 million children.
UN agencies continue to stress that while aid is essential to save lives, sustainable peace, economic recovery, and long-term development are the only way to reduce dependence and build resilience across Yemen.
