The Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, has been accused of detaining at least 20 staff members from various international and UN agencies in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a. The arrests, which took place on June 7th, 2024, have sparked international concern.

The detained individuals reportedly work for organizations including UNICEF, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Envoy's Office, the Relief and Development Response (RRD), the Social Fund for Development, the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and the UN Envoy's office.

While the exact reason for the arrests remains unclear, they come at a time when the Houthis are facing economic challenges in the areas they control. The group's move to counter decisions made by the Yemeni Central Bank in Aden, as reported by the Associated Press, suggests a possible link between the arrests and economic pressure.

According to the human rights organization "Mion," some of the detained individuals were subjected to home raids, interrogated, and had their phones and computers confiscated before being taken away in military vehicles to an unknown location.

A list of the detainees, published by Chinese news agency Xinhua's correspondent in Yemen, Faris al-Hamiry, seen by "Barran Press", reveals that six of those detained work for the OHCHR, including Wadah Aun, head of the IT department, and Samira Balas, field coordinator in Hodeidah.

Three employees of the National Democratic Institute (NDI), including Rabab al-Madwahi, head of the institute's information department, and Murad Zafer, were also among the detainees. Two employees of the Social Fund for Development, including Wissam Qaed, a British citizen and deputy general manager, and Mohammed Dhamran, head of the fund's information department, were also arrested.

Other detainees include Abdulhakim al-Afifi, deputy executive director of the international organization "Partners of Yemen," Asim al-Ashari, director of research and public policy at the "Rinnin" Foundation, Mohammed al-Aql, Sarah al-Faiq, executive director of the Civil Coalition for Peace, and Sami al-Kilabi from the UN Envoy's office.

The arrests have been condemned by the internationally recognized Yemeni government, with officials stating that the detained UN staff "work in the office of human rights and the office of humanitarian affairs."

The UN and the NDI have not yet responded to requests for comment, and a spokesperson for the Houthis has not issued a statement.

The Houthi group has a history of detaining foreign nationals and Yemeni citizens working for international organizations. They have held 20 Yemeni staff members from the US embassy in Sana'a for three years. The embassy ceased operations in 2014. The Houthis also previously detained four other UN staff members, two in 2021 and two in 2023, who remain in custody.

The arrests of UN and international staff in Sana'a raise serious concerns about the Houthi group's disregard for international law and the safety of humanitarian workers. The international community is calling for the immediate release of all detainees and an end to the Houthi's crackdown on human rights and freedom of expression.