The Houthis are a rebel group that controls much of Yemen, including the capital Sana’a. They are backed by Iran and have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition that supports the internationally recognized government of Yemen since 2015.
Recently, the Houthis have demanded that all aid workers who hold US or UK citizenship, or dual citizenship with those countries, leave Yemen within 30 days. They also asked humanitarian organizations not to hire any staff from those countries in the future. This order came after the US and UK launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in retaliation for their attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.
The UN and other humanitarian agencies have expressed concern over this demand, as it could hamper their ability to deliver vital assistance to the Yemeni people, who are facing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. The UN spokesperson said that any request based on the nationality of the staff is inconsistent with the legal framework applicable to the UN and impedes their mandate to support all the people in Yemen. The British embassy said that they had not yet been told to leave and that they were in close contact with the UN on the issue.
The situation in Yemen is very complex and volatile, and the conflict has caused widespread suffering and displacement. More than 24 million people, or 80% of the population, need humanitarian aid and protection. The UN has called for a nationwide ceasefire and a political solution to end the war and alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
