The Houthis' Kidnappers of Humanitarian Work... The Government Criticizes the Lackluster UN Position and "Human Rights Watch" Calls for Intensifying Pressure

The Ministry indicated that those abducted and forcibly detained in the cells and prisons of the Houthi militias include civil society activists, human rights activists, and media professionals, including (72) local employees of international organizations, including eight employees working for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which did not make an effort commensurate with the gravity of the situation or the extent of the violations.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs and Human Rights called on the High Commissioner for Human Rights to reconsider its priorities, go beyond “formal” activities, and direct the allocations for these activities to support the families of its employees kidnapped in Houthi prisons, and intensify its efforts to release these kidnapped individuals and bring them out of the depths of prisons.

She stressed the importance of the Commission presenting a clear and honest picture to the international community of the crimes and violations committed by the Houthi militias, and working seriously to describe them as a terrorist group, and dealing with them in accordance with this legal framework to create real international pressure that contributes to stopping these crimes.

Insufficient position

 Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch said that the calls of the United Nations and organizations for the Houthis to release the humanitarian workers who have been working for half a year are not enough, calling for escalating their positions and increasing pressure on the Houthis.

“The Houthis, who control the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and most of northern Yemen, launched this arrest campaign on May 31,” the organization said in a statement on Friday. “The Houthis raided the homes and offices of detainees in Sanaa, Yemen’s largest city, and other northern governorates without presenting arrest or search warrants. While at least two people have been released, most of those who remain in detention have been denied access to legal representation, family visits, and other basic rights.”

“Over the past six months, the Houthis in Yemen have arbitrarily detained and disappeared at least 17 UN staff members as well as dozens of staff from NGOs, civil society and private organizations and companies. Despite calls for their release from the UN and governments, the Houthis continue to hold these individuals without charge, and in most cases without adequate access to lawyers or family members,” she added.

She continued: “Although the United Nations has repeatedly called for the release of its detained staff and civil society workers, the United Nations and the international community should strengthen their demands for the Houthis to release detainees, and better coordinate their efforts towards this common goal.”

“UN agencies should also redouble efforts to protect and support their remaining staff in Yemen,” Human Rights Watch stressed.

The organization renewed its call on the Houthis to release all UN and civil society staff, lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, engage in fruitful dialogue and cooperation with humanitarian parties to address the multiple crises in the country, fulfill the economic rights of Yemenis, and end all arbitrary detentions.