Barran Press
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, strongly condemned the Houthi group's seizure of his office in Sana'a on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. The Houthi group is internationally recognized as a terrorist organization. Türk reiterated his call for the "immediate and unconditional release of all UN staff detained in Yemen."
In a statement released by the High Commissioner's office, seen by "Barran Press", Türk stated that the "unauthorized entry into the UN premises and the forceful seizure of documents and property are in complete violation of UN privileges and immunities."
He further condemned this action as a "serious attack on the UN's ability to carry out its mandate, including with regard to promoting and protecting human rights, which my office is there to defend."
Türk demanded that the Houthis "leave the premises and return all property and assets immediately."
The statement detailed that on June 6 and 7, Houthi authorities arrested 13 UN staff, including six from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, along with over 50 NGO staff and one embassy employee.
It added that two other staff members from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had been detained in November 2021 and August 2023 respectively. All of them are being held incommunicado.
Following these arrests in June, the High Commissioner decided to temporarily suspend his office's operations in Sana'a and other areas under Houthi control due to the security situation. The office continues its work in other parts of Yemen.
The statement mentioned that on August 3, 2024, Houthi authorities sent a "delegation" to the UN Human Rights Office in Sana'a, forcing local staff to hand over their belongings, including documents, furniture, and vehicles, as well as office keys. They remain in control of the building.
Türk expressed his "regret that all our appeals have gone unheeded." He appealed "once again, with a heavy heart, for their immediate and unconditional release."
He added, "We are doing everything we can to ensure their safe reunification with their loved ones as soon as possible. Until then, the de facto authorities must ensure that they are treated with full respect for their human rights and that they are allowed to communicate with their families and legal representatives."
One of the staff members previously detained by the Houthis appeared in online videos where he was "forced to confess to accusations, including espionage, in a clear violation of his basic human rights protected by international law."
Türk asserted that "all these allegations are baseless," adding that "my office has never engaged in any activities other than those serving the Yemeni people, in accordance with my mandate."
The High Commissioner stated, "It is crucial that the de facto authorities respect the UN and its independence, release all detained UN staff immediately, and create conditions that enable my office and other UN agencies to continue their vital work for the Yemeni people without threats or obstacles."
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.