Aden ــ Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in Yemen to immediately cease their interference in the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid, warning that such actions are exacerbating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

In a statement published in early October 2025, the rights organization condemned the systematic obstruction, diversion, and politicization of aid operations by various actors, including the Houthi de facto authorities and forces aligned with the internationally recognized government. HRW emphasized that millions of Yemenis remain in urgent need of food, medical assistance, and shelter, and that aid agencies are facing increasing restrictions, intimidation, and bureaucratic hurdles.

The organization highlighted recent incidents in which dozens of humanitarian workers and UN staff were arbitrarily detained or forcibly disappeared, particularly in areas under Houthi control. These violations, HRW warned, not only endanger the lives of aid workers but also undermine the credibility and effectiveness of relief efforts.

“Yemen’s civilians are paying the price for the warring parties’ disregard for humanitarian principles,” HRW said, urging the international community to pressure all sides to respect humanitarian law and facilitate unhindered access to vulnerable populations.

The group also criticized attacks on infrastructure critical to aid delivery, including the Hodeidah port, which has been targeted in recent military operations. Such actions, HRW noted, may amount to war crimes under international law.

Yemen remains one of the most dire humanitarian emergencies globally, with over 18 million people in need of assistance. Human Rights Watch called for transparent coordination mechanisms, protection of aid personnel, and an end to politically motivated interference in relief operations.