Journalists Without Chains (JWC) has documented a disturbing trend of Houthi militia exploitation of Yemen's education system. Over the past three months, the Iran-backed Houthis have converted 30 educational institutions—23 universities and 7 institutes—across Yemen into centers for military training and ideological indoctrination. These institutions are located in multiple governorates, including Sana'a, Hodeidah, Ibb, Dhamar, Amran, Saada, Hajjah, and Al Bayda.

JWC's investigation reveals that the Houthis are coercing students into military service through mandatory "Sayl Al-Aqsa" courses, which include training with firearms and heavy weapons.  Female students are subjected to similar indoctrination and training under the supervision of Houthi operatives known as "Zainabiyat."

Students and faculty face intense pressure to conform to Houthi ideology.  Mandatory indoctrination sessions are enforced, with non-compliance resulting in expulsion or detention. Numerous professors have been dismissed for refusing to participate, depriving thousands of students of their right to a fair and unbiased education.
This alarming escalation coincides with heightened regional tensions, which the Houthi militias are exploiting to bolster recruitment within universities.  They are effectively transforming educational institutions into instruments of political and military propaganda.
JWC emphasizes that these actions constitute grave violations of international law, including Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the right to education without coercion, and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protects freedom of thought and belief.
JWC calls upon the international community, human rights organizations, and global academic institutions to take immediate action to protect Yemeni students and faculty.