A human rights official expresses surprise at the UNHCR's lax stance on the continued detention of its staff by the Houthis in Yemen.

A human rights official expressed surprise at the lax stance of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the continued detention of its employees in Houthi militia prisons in Yemen.

"There is no explanation for the silence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the continued detention of its employees and its weak position on the Houthi group," said Ishraq Al-Maqtari, a member of the National Committee to Investigate Allegations of Human Rights Violations.

She added in a post on the X platform, followed by the editor of "Yemen Youth Net" on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, that all the detainees (Mohammed Abu Shaara, Ibrahim Zidan, Samira Bliss, Firas Al-Sayaghi, Mohammed Al-Shami, and Wadah Aoun) have provided dedicated and committed work in the field of human rights, some in the office and some in the field.

The Yemeni human rights activist emphasized that the commission has numerous steps, opportunities, and mechanisms to exert pressure, confront, and prosecute the Houthi group, demonstrating to all those working in human rights, including the families of detainees, the validity and strength of its claims and other mechanisms for protecting human rights.

She pointed out the need for the Commission to take more decisive action "instead of complaints or soft statements and speeches," emphasizing that the situation is worsening, and the holidays are creating additional sorrow.

The Houthi militia has kidnapped 23 UN employees, some of whom have been held for several years, including six staff members of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Despite the long period since their detention, the UN and its organizations have made do with limited action and timid statements calling on the Houthis to release them.

There is no explanation for the silence of the High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the continued detention of its employees, and the weakness of their position towards the #Houthi group.
All detainees have provided dedicated and committed work in the field of human rights, some in the office and some in the field.
I know them all except Mohammed Abu Shaara.
They are all competent employees: Ibn Hajjah...

— Eshraq Al-Maqtari (@EshraqAlmaqtari) March 31, 2025