Dr. Mohammed Jumeh, Yemen's permanent ambassador to UNESCO, issued a warning on Sunday regarding the potential suspension of the organization’s projects in areas controlled by the Houthi group, which is internationally designated as a terrorist organization. This warning comes in light of the continued detention of four UNESCO employees by the Houthis.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) monitored by Barran Press, Jumeh stated, “The Houthis are holding dozens of employees from international and local organizations, including four from UNESCO, on baseless charges, despite repeated calls for their release.”

He emphasized that if the Houthi group continues to detain UNESCO staff, there is a genuine concern that UNESCO may decide to freeze its projects in Houthi-controlled areas. This includes the "cash-for-work" initiative aimed at restoration efforts in the historic sites of Old Sana’a and Zabid, both of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Jumeh warned that such a suspension would result in significant losses for restoration efforts in these cities.

The ambassador also noted that many donor countries and organizations have refrained from engaging in projects in Houthi-controlled areas due to real fears for the safety of local workers and concerns about potential disruptions and extortion by the militia.

Since June, the Iranian-backed Houthis have launched a wave of arrests targeting 13 Yemeni employees from UN agencies, along with numerous staff from international and local humanitarian organizations, with reports indicating around 70 individuals have been detained.