Barran Press
A joint statement signed by 50 Yemeni civil society organizations has expressed deep disappointment and frustration with the United Nations' approach in Yemen over the past decade, accusing the agency of prioritizing appeasement of the Houthi rebels over humanitarian principles.
The statement, obtained by "Barran Press," alleges that the UN has failed to adhere to principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. It argues that this approach has allowed the Houthis to politicize and manipulate aid for military gain, commit grave human rights violations, and strengthen their military power, undermining efforts to end the war in Yemen.
The organizations expressed particular dismay at the UN's inaction following recent mass kidnappings and enforced disappearances of civil society leaders, UN staff, and international and local NGOs by the Houthis, which began in June.
"While we expected the UN to hold the Houthis accountable for their actions – the kidnapping of staff, the raid on the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the seizure of equipment and documents, the systematic erosion of women's rights, the indoctrination and recruitment of children – we were deeply disappointed by the approach of the new Resident Coordinator, Julien Harneis," the statement reads.
Instead of taking a firm stance, Harneis appears to have adopted a more lenient approach towards the Houthis since assuming his role, according to the statement. Harneis reportedly emphasized the need for the UN to continue working with the Houthis and to resume the World Food Program's general food assistance program regardless of circumstances.
In meetings with UN country directors and international NGOs, Harneis is alleged to have stated that "the Houthis have won the war, and the UN's role is limited to supporting them." He reportedly disregarded opposing views from country directors and even orchestrated the removal of Bruno Dital, head of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Aden, following his disagreement with the Houthis.
The organizations consider these actions and statements by the UN officials to undermine the UN's credibility and fail to address serious issues, exacerbating the long-standing suffering of Yemenis.
The statement alleges that the current UN Resident Coordinator, the World Food Program Director, and other UN managers are adopting a more lenient approach in the hope of ensuring smooth operations, regardless of the broader impact on Yemen.
The statement also highlights a meeting of UN and international NGO staff earlier this month in preparation for a meeting organized by the Houthi-controlled Supreme Council for the Management and Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (SCMCA).
The World Food Program Director reportedly described the meeting as an opportunity to rebuild trust with the Houthis and prove that the program is a "reliable and credible partner." The security director even described it as a chance to "show respect" to the Houthis.
During both meetings with the Houthis, the statement alleges that staff were instructed to chant the Houthi slogan "al-Sarkha" (The Cry). While UNICEF and UNDP staff refused, local World Food Program and World Health Organization staff reportedly complied and chanted the slogan in front of their UN managers on August 11.
The organizations, in their statement calling for urgent and decisive action against the Houthis in Yemen, outlined the transgressions of UN agencies and organizations in Yemen, including their officials' appeasement of Houthi leaders, who are internationally designated as terrorists, and their staff's chanting of the group's slogan, "al-Sarkha," which was launched by former Iranian Supreme Leader Khomeini.
The organizations recommend suspending all UN projects in areas under Houthi control and relocating headquarters to Aden, the declared temporary capital of the country, "until the Houthis demonstrate a genuine commitment to humanitarian principles and international law."
They argue that continuing projects risks forcing the UN to employ Houthi personnel, which would further divert aid and its misuse, potentially allowing the Houthis to control UN agencies and international NGOs. This, they say, would undermine the humanitarian principles of independence and impartiality.
The organizations also recommend that the UN insist on the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages as a non-negotiable condition for any future engagement. They also call for ensuring full access for UN operations as a prerequisite for resuming assistance.
The statement demands the establishment of red lines against extortion and the diversion of aid, as well as non-negotiable lines to protect the integrity and effectiveness of aid programs. It emphasizes the need for transparent monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure that aid reaches those in need and is not exploited for political or military purposes.
Finally, the organizations call for the immediate replacement of the current Resident Coordinator, who is "worryingly focused only on programs and operations," with someone who prioritizes the sensitivity of the conflict and adheres to the principle of "do no harm."