The Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, has seized the United Nations Human Rights Office in Sana'a, according to a senior UN official on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. The group reportedly confiscated documents, furniture, and vehicles.

Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated in a statement, seen by "Barran Press",  that the Houthis "took over the premises of the UN Human Rights Office in Sana'a on August 3, after forcing Yemeni UN staff to hand over their belongings, including documents, furniture and vehicles."

"The Ansar Allah forces (Houthis) must leave the building and return all assets and property immediately," Türk demanded.

The UN Human Rights Office has suspended operations in Sana'a and other Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen following a crackdown in June. However, it remains operational in government-controlled parts of the country.

This incident is the latest in a series of actions by the Houthis targeting UN staff, aid agencies, and foreign embassies.

In June, the Houthis abducted over 60 individuals working with the UN and other NGOs, according to the UN Human Rights Office. Among those abducted were six Human Rights Office staff, joining two colleagues previously detained by the Houthis in November 2021 and August 2023.

Days after the abductions, the Houthis claimed they had arrested members of what they called an "American-Israeli espionage network."

The UN Human Rights Office stated that one of its detained staff appeared in a video where he was forced to confess to accusations, including espionage, according to the office.

On June 24, 2024, Ahmed Arman, the Minister of Human Rights and Legal Affairs in the internationally recognized Yemeni government, stated that the number of individuals abducted by the Houthis exceeded 70, including staff from UN agencies, international and local organizations, and five women.

The internationally recognized Yemeni government has repeatedly urged UN agencies and international organizations to relocate their headquarters to Aden, the declared temporary capital of Yemen, during meetings with UN officials. This call comes amidst increasing arrests of aid and humanitarian workers in Sana'a and Houthi-controlled areas.

On August 5, 2024, sources revealed that the Houthis, backed by Iran, issued a decision prohibiting all foreign international staff working in UN and international organizations based in Sana'a from traveling.

The seizure of the UN Human Rights Office in Sana'a further escalates the tension between the Houthis and the international community, raising concerns about the safety and security of humanitarian workers operating in Yemen.