Social, political, and economic developments are anchored on human security. Human beings want to feel safe when engaging in economic activities and interacting with other members of society. Human security involves the capacity of an individual to feel safe and free to access basic needs such as healthcare and food. Yemen is one of the countries in Western Asia that has been devastated by civil wars. The instability in the country is exacerbated by terrorism and internal wars that are detrimental to human security. Therefore, terrorism and the inability to access healthcare services in Yemen threaten human security. The first part of the essay will explore terrorism as a threat to human security by discussing its causes and consequences. Similarly, the second part will discuss inadequate healthcare services in Yemen. The conclusion part will identify the more serious threats of the two and offer a possible solution.
Terrorism in Yemen
Terrorism is a multifaceted criminal activity since it can take place in various forms. A crime is described as an unlawful activity that involves violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government or its citizens (Ismail and Alheji 2023). The act is mainly aimed at furthering a political or social ideology that is least accepted by a given society. The crime is categorized as either domestic or international, depending on the people affected and the area where the terror attack has taken place (Stene et al., 2022). Domestic terrorism is that which is conducted and executed in Yemen. Meanwhile, international terrorism is that which takes place outside Yemen but is advanced by people from Yemen. Terror attacks have encumbered human security in various ways, making it difficult for them to enjoy their natural rights.
Yemen is one of the countries with many cases of domestic and international terrorism. The crime is exacerbated by religious and political differences in the country. Additionally, terror activities in the country have been caused by continued civil wars (Ismail and Alheji 2023). For instance, in 2014 the Houthi insurgents took over the country’s capital, Sana’a, and demanded lower fuel prices and a new government (Stene et al., 2022). Wars and political instability in Yemen cause psychological, ideological, and strategic motivations for terrorism. Through the war, the terrorists can identify and determine the government’s security weaknesses. Moreover, the terrorist can recruit and radicalize their member in a war-torn country. Therefore, the increased domestic and international terrorism associated with Yemen is caused by civil wars.
Terrorism as a threat to human security is two-dimensional: effect on persons themselves and on property that is beneficial to humanity. Terrorism denies citizens freedom of expression by imposing a government that is not democratically elected. Historically, terrorists have disowned and overthrown governments that were chosen by the people (Stene et al., 2022). Consequently, democratic rights including freedom of expression have been infringed upon. Terror attacks involve physical and psychological injuries to the victims and their family members (Ismail and Alheji 2023). The direct victims are exposed to objects such as bombs that may end up killing them. Meanwhile, the direct victims’ family members are psychologically affected since they have to bear the pain of losing a member. The impact of terrorism on individuals encumbers their rights by causing injury to them or those near them.
Proprietary rights are fundamental since they protect people from external interference with their properties. Terror attacks are normally launched on famous buildings to attract the governments and people’s attention. Moreover, the attacks have been conducted on airplanes, placing human life at greater risk (Osiecki et al., 2022). Property destruction makes it difficult for citizens to access social amenities. Many hospitals and industries have been destroyed by terror attacks (Harris and Smith 2022). Consequently, innocent citizens find it difficult to access public services during terror attacks. Human health and economic activities are put at risk, further infringing upon their economic and social rights. Terrorism is a threat to human life, economic, and social activities which amounts to encumbering human security. The Yemen government and international organizations must intervene to reduce terrorism in the country.
Inadequate Healthcare Services
Human well-being is important for their success and economic empowerment. Quality healthcare is categorized as human security but can be threatened by poor access to medical services. Adequate medical services are multidimensional since it involves an array of human activities in the context of the medical field. Adequate medical services can involve the availability of affordable healthcare services (Osiecki et al., 2022). For instance, cheap and comprehensive medical insurance policies promote the affordability of medical services. Moreover, the government’s intervention to reduce medical costs enhances human well-being (Osiecki et al., 2022). Adequate medical services can include the availability of an effective and high-quality healthcare system. The presence of highly qualified professionals and hospital equipment is significant for better healthcare.
Yemen is one of the countries with inadequate healthcare services and facilities. The increased war cases and acts of terror have led to the destruction of hospitals and other organizations that promote human well-being (Ismail and Alheji 2023). For instance, the country’s unstable status makes it difficult for medical investors to set up research and healthcare facilities in the country. Moreover, terrorism in Yemen has exacerbated social problems such as gender inequality and sexism in the educational sector. Extremist groups that have taken over Yemen’s government have discouraged access to educational facilities by women. Consequently, the number of students who graduate from medical schools in Yemen is lower. Inadequate healthcare in Yemen is detrimental to the enjoyment of various human rights.
Inadequate healthcare services and facilities threaten human security in various dimensions. Firstly, individuals with poor health are least productive at their workplaces. Consequently, they are poorly compensated, making it difficult for them to meet their personal and family needs. For instance, children born from families with ailing parents are likely to drop out of school and become a burden to the community (Ismail and Alheji 2023). Secondly, ailing individuals pose economic difficulty for their family members. The inability to afford food and other basic human needs are common problems among families with diseased members.
Inadequate healthcare can be detrimental to society in various ways, further threatening human security. The affected family members may need medications that are expensive, encouraging theft. Individuals would prefer stealing to other approaches since their government is crippled (Osiecki et al., 2022). Moreover, the psychological problems associated with the loss of a family member can lead to substance and drug use. Depressed and anxious people seek comfort by abusing drugs which can be a national menace. Substance and drug abuse accelerates social problems such as rape, murder, and homicides. Therefore, the absence of healthcare services has a wide array of impacts on an individual and society at large.
The promotion of quality and adequate healthcare facilities has various benefits that form the basis of human security. Healthy people actively participate in their areas of employment, attracting generous wages. Consequently, employed individuals can afford their basic needs and those of their close family members (Harris and Smith 2022). Additionally, individuals with high-quality health are the least prone to psychological illnesses. Such individuals help society in moving forward by taking part in campaigns that promote human rights amidst civil wars and terror threats. Furthermore, quality health promotes uniform economic growth through the production and manufacturing of goods. Therefore, the Yemen government and international organizations interested in the country’s welfare should ensure that healthcare services are adequate and available.
Conclusion
Yemen faces terrorism with inadequate healthcare facilities and services, making it difficult for its citizens to enjoy human security. Meanwhile, inadequate healthcare services cause lower productivity at work and increased cases of psychological disorders. Terrorism is the most dangerous threat to human security in Yemen since it has political, economic, and social impacts. However, the threat is unlikely to continue since the international community has joined hands in fighting it. The United Nations and super power countries such as the U.S. have joined hands in fighting terrorism. The Yemen government can overcome terrorism by adopting and implementing tough laws and regulations against it. Enforcing tough laws can deter people from terror activities. Moreover, public campaigns against terrorism will help reduce radicalization and consequent terrorism. Yemen can involve other governments and partner organizations to reduce terrorism while promoting quality healthcare.
Reference List
Harris, A & Smith, T (2022) ‘Monetary Sanctions as Chronic and Acute Health Stressors: The Emotional Strain of People Who Owe Court Fines and Fees’, RSF: The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences, 8(2), pp. 36–56.
Ismail, SM and Alheji, AI (2023) ‘The Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) from a Civil Procedure Perspective’, Laws, 12(1), p. 15.
Osiecki, M, Fortońska, A, Berus, M & Włodarczyk, M (2022), ‘Drone as a Target of Terrorist Attack and a Weapon Against Terrorism – Analysis in the Light of International Law’, Journal of Intelligent & Robotic Systems, 106 (1).
Stene, LE, Vuillermoz, C, Overmeire, RV, Bilsen, J, Dückers, M, Nilsen, LG & Vandentorren, S (2022) ‘Psychosocial care responses to terrorist attacks: a country case study of Norway, France and Belgium’, BMC Health Services Research, 22(1).