The possible designation of Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization could lead to a worsening humanitarian situation

The possible designation of the de facto authorities in northern Yemen (Houthis) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the new US authorities raises serious concerns about the delivery of aid to the country.

After a decade of war, the humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate, with 19.5 million people in need of humanitarian aid. Action Against Hunger (ACF) is concerned about the consequences this designation could have on the livelihoods of an exsanguinated population. 

Northern Yemenis depend largely on imports of food, fuel and medicines for their survival, including via the private sector. These goods transit through the port of Hodeida, one of the country’s two main ports, located in an area controlled by the authorities in northern Yemen. “The FTO designation could lead to restrictions or delays on imports of essential commodities, as well as higher prices. In a country where 49% of the population is food insecure and 55% of children under the age of five suffer from chronic malnutrition, this could have devastating consequences,” explains Anne Garella, Director of Middle East Operations for Action Against Hunger.

The government-controlled areas of northern Yemen, home to around 70% of the country’s population, are already facing severe humanitarian problems and rampant food insecurity. The FTO designation could jeopardize the delivery of aid, as it is impossible to implement programs in this area without interacting with the de facto authorities, who administer these zones. “In other humanitarian contexts, this designation has led to the cancellation or blocking of projects, the suspension of programs and an increase in the complexity of operations due to greater constraints”, emphasizes Anne Garella.

In addition, FTO designation could further restrict access to financial services. “For example, one in ten Yemenis depend on remittances from Yemenis abroad to meet their basic needs. These remittances – which also help to stabilize the economy – will find it difficult to flow through official channels,” says Anne Garella. It could also be more difficult to make bank transfers, pay staff salaries and implement financial aid programs, which are an important pillar of the food security response.

The announcement of the FTO designation comes against a backdrop of politicization of humanitarian aid in Yemen, and more broadly against a backdrop of reduced humanitarian funding at global level. Funds are gradually being redirected from the north to the south, controlled by the government of Yemen recognized by the international community, at the request of international donors. “If this trend continues, northern Yemen could become even more isolated and its population even more vulnerable,” concludes Anne Garella.

In December, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2761 establishing a permanent humanitarian exemption applicable to all UN sanctions regimes. It is essential that all players, especially governments and the banking sector, respect this resolution and protect the delivery of humanitarian aid.

About Action Against Hunger in Yemen

Present in Yemen since 2013, Action Against Hunger supports the rehabilitation of sanitary infrastructures and access to drinking water and hygiene, provides psychological and psychosocial support to people affected by violence and abuse, supports health centers in areas most affected by malnutrition, and works to strengthen the capacity of households to generate income and access food in markets. In 2023, our programs supported more than 323,000 people across the country.