Since the Houthi rebels conquered the capitol of Yemen Sana’a in September 2014, they imposed a series of decisions that have significantly affected the operations of both local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Yemen.
They exerted control through a range of repressive measures, including requiring the NGOs to register their activities and obtain prior approval for any project.
They have also scrutinized their bank accounts and expenditures, and forced many organizations to hire employees from their ranks.
Additionally, the Houthis have directly seized aid intended for organizations to distribute for those Yemeni who needed it most.
To add to injury the Houthi security forces arrested at least 13 United Nations local employees and many NGO staff working in Houthi-controlled areas.
These arbitrary detentions are presumed to be linked to the detainees’ current or previous work, according to Human Rights Watch.
On July 17, the Houthis issued a new directive requiring organizations operating in their areas of control to consult and obtain approval before hiring anyone, whether local or foreigner.
Security restrictions are the most severe, effectively crippling the organization’s operations. Obtaining work permits is extremely complex, often subject to significant extortion or unjustified delays.
Working amidst security constraints and procedural obstacles is extremely exhausting and poses health problems for individuals working in organizations.
Despite international humanitarian law requiring all parties in armed conflicts to respect and protect humanitarian workers and prohibit harassment, ill-treatment, and unlawful detention, violations continue in varying degrees and forms, the repressive practices of the Houthis against civil society have deteriorated, undermining NGOs’ ability to fulfill their roles in development, human rights advocacy, and building a democratic society.
The absence of protective measures against violations and restrictive and repressive actions has weakened their capacity to operate according to annual plans, forcing many to scale back their activities.
A 2023 field study of the civil society space in Yemen revealed that repressive practices had led to a deterioration in the performance of 65.7 percent of participating organizations. A significant number were forced to temporarily or permanently cease operations, and 21.4 percent had to scale back their field activities. According to internal information from field workers, several international organizations are preparing to suspend their projects in Yemen.
Despite the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen, the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan has received only partial funding, covering just 27.7 percent of the total required. This severe funding shortfall, combined with the repressive environment, hinders humanitarian organizations’ efforts to provide necessary aid.
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