Yemen: The World Food Program's suspension of general food assistance in regions under the Sana'a government's control has triggered widespread criticism from Yemen's public and human rights organizations.

Officials in the Sana'a government view this decision as a violation of human rights, posing a threat to millions of Yemenis.

While the WFP cites limited funding and challenges in reaching all beneficiaries in Sana'a-controlled areas as reasons, human rights groups and civil society assert that this move is not about funding or access constraints. Instead, they see it as a response to political pressure from donor nations.

Yemen's Council for Humanitarian Affairs and International Cooperation condemns the WFP's move to halt aid in free provinces, deeming it a political maneuver and punishment targeting the Yemeni people.

In a statement, the Council highlights the contradiction in suspending aid in free areas while continuing support in occupied regions, going against key humanitarian principles like neutrality, impartiality, and non-discrimination.

Labeling the politicization of humanitarian aid as a crime against humanity, the Council stresses its violation of international conventions and the endangerment of millions of affected lives.

Disputing the WFP's claims of reduced funding, the Council asserts that the program has secured resources enabling aid distribution at the same level as in 2022. Moreover, this year's funding surpasses that of the previous year, as indicated on the WFP's website.

The Council emphasizes its significant efforts to collaborate with the WFP to continue aiding the most vulnerable, efforts met with rejection.

Holding the WFP accountable for the humanitarian fallout affecting millions of needy Yemenis due to this unjust decision, it portrays the move as emblematic of double standards in addressing humanitarian crises. While the WFP suspends aid in Yemen, it continues in other countries.

This dual approach raises questions about the criteria guiding the WFP's aid provision. Observers believe this discrepancy underscores political pressures on the WFP by donor nations.

Human rights organizations and civil society call for a reconsideration of the WFP's decision in Yemen, stressing the imperative of ongoing food assistance to all in need, irrespective of political affiliations. They argue that this aid is critical to preserving millions of Yemeni lives and averting a humanitarian catastrophe.

The decision by the WFP to halt food assistance in Yemen triggers doubts about its commitment to humanitarian principles and donor countries' ability to adhere to these principles.