Yemen: In the plight of human trafficking

Amid the continued civil unrest and armed conflicts, Yemen’s human trafficking crisis is continuously getting worse. The weakening of Yemeni government control over a significant portion of territory, following the 2011 uprising, has allowed human trafficking to thrive. Although, NGOs are reporting that vulnerable populations are at an increased risk of falling victim to the human trafficking network.

A few months ago in February, several migrants were close to reaching the Saudi Arabian border in Houthi-controlled northern Yemen but if Houthis catch them, they frequently have to remain in Yemen with very few ways of leaving. It will be daunting for them if they get caught as the migrants caught by Houthis must pay an exit fee. And since at this point, they do not have money or work and thus become stuck in Yemen.

Some migrants face even worse fates if Houthis catch them. Upon arrival, many go to Yemeni detention centers where they wait for their family back home to send a ransom while they experience torture and abuse. To seek help and guidance, Yemeni official calls on the UN, the international community and human rights groups to help the victims of the Houthi militia’s crimes.

Mostly the areas which were under the control of Houthi militias, especially they have become the largest hotbeds of human trafficking, Al-Eryani, a minister from the information ministry issued the statement as the world celebrated International Day for Combating Human Trafficking on July 30.

Undermining the efforts and steps taken by the state to combat human trafficking in terms of regulations, laws, and field procedures, the Houthi militia’s coup, and war crimes have increased by multi-folds. 

The grieving situation has alarmed everyone as there is an increase in criminal activities such as child soldier recruitment, the disappearance of women in secret prisons, sexual abuse, enforced waves of internal and external displacements, and high rates of poverty and unemployment. These incidents have brought Yemen under the lens of suspicion and very soon measures will be taken out to restore humanity and harmony.