The European Union (EU) on Wednesday, August 14th, 2024, condemned the seizure of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) office in Sana'a by the Houthi group, which is designated as a terrorist organization by several countries. The EU called on the Houthis to "respect the privileges and immunities granted to the United Nations and return the seized premises and equipment."

A statement issued by the EU spokesperson, seen by "Barran Press," considered the Houthi raid on the OHCHR office in Sana'a "another escalation following a wave of arrests of UN staff, international and local NGOs, and diplomatic missions in Yemen over the past two months."

The EU expressed its "full support" for the call by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, for the Houthis to "respect the privileges and immunities granted to the United Nations and return the seized premises and equipment."

The statement added: "Maintaining the ability of the OHCHR office to operate on the ground to monitor and report on human rights in Yemen is crucial."

On Tuesday, August 3rd, 2024, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk confirmed that the Houthis had raided the OHCHR office in Sana'a, forcibly seizing documents, property, and holding the office keys.

In June 2024, the Houthis kidnapped 13 UN staff members, including six working for the OHCHR, along with over 50 employees of non-governmental organizations and one from an embassy, according to the UN.

The Houthis claimed they had arrested members of an "American-Israeli espionage network" operating under the guise of humanitarian organizations, allegations the UN has categorically denied.

The OHCHR office notified the Houthis on July 30th, 2024, of its "suspension of operations" in Sana'a for security reasons.

Since June 7th, 2024, the Houthi group has been conducting a widespread campaign of arrests against international and UN staff working in Sana'a and areas under their control.

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

The internationally recognized Yemeni government has repeatedly urged UN agencies and international organizations to relocate their main offices to Aden, declared the temporary capital of Yemen, especially in light of the increasing arrests of aid and humanitarian workers in Sana'a and areas controlled by the Houthis.

On August 5th, 2024, informed sources revealed that the Houthi group, internationally designated as a terrorist organization and supported by Iran, issued a decision prohibiting the travel of all foreign international staff working for UN and international organizations based in Sana'a.