ADEN-AIJES

Between Humanitarian Need and Political Exploitation

For years, humanitarian and food aid provided by the United Nations and international organizationshas been a crucial lifeline for people affected by conflicts. However, in Yemen, particularly in areas under Houthi control, serious concerns have arisen regarding the effectiveness of this aid and whether it is inadvertently becoming a source of funding for the armed group, rather than reaching those in desperate need.

Aid Under Houthi Control

Despite international efforts to alleviate the suffering of Yemenis, the reality on the ground tells a different and alarming story. The Houthis have established total control over aid distribution and ensure that any humanitarian assistance entering their territories is handled on their terms. Reports from the United Nations and human rights organizations reveal that the Houthis:

• Seize food aid and resell it at high prices in local markets instead of distributing it for free to those in need.

• Divert aid to their fighters and supporters, depriving the most vulnerable civilians of their rightful share.

• Impose restrictions on humanitarian organizations, forcing them to hand over aid supplies to Houthi-controlled agencies, giving them full authority over distribution.

• Use aid as a political weapon, granting it based on loyalty while starving and impoverishing those who oppose them.

Indirect Funding for an Armed Militia

Any humanitarian or food assistance sent to Houthi-controlled areas rarely reaches the intended beneficiaries. Instead, it is turned into an economic asset for the militia—either through black market sales or by using it to strengthen their grip on power. This means that the UN and international organizations, albeit unintentionally, are effectively financing the group and prolonging the conflict, rather than contributing to a humanitarian solution.

Calls for Strict International Oversight

Given this dire reality, it is imperative that the international community and the UN take decisive action to ensure that aid reaches those who truly need it. This can be achieved through:

1. Implementing strict monitoring mechanisms to oversee the distribution of aid in Houthi-controlled areas.

2. Utilizing direct distribution methods, through UN-led teams working in collaboration with local NGOs, ensuring aid reaches the beneficiaries without Houthi interference.

3. Halting cooperation with Houthi-controlled entities that seize and manipulate aid distribution while demanding full transparency in reporting aid operations.

4. Imposing international sanctions on those involved in the theft of humanitarian aid and holding accountable anyone who obstructs its delivery to those in need.

Conclusion:

Without strict oversight and enforcement mechanisms, humanitarian and food aid reaching Houthi-controlled areas will continue to serve as an indirect funding source for the militia, worsening Yemen’s crisis instead of easing it. The international community has a moral and humanitarian dutyto ensure that aid is not manipulated as a tool to empower militias and prolong the suffering of the Yemeni people.