Al-Eryani condemns Houthi militia’s raid on UNICEF offices and the theft of its assets.

Houthi Militia’s Attack on Save the Children Office Condemned

Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Speaks Out

The Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Moammer Al-Eryani, has strongly condemned the Houthi militia’s recent raid on the Save the Children office in the capital city of Sana’a, as well as its branches in the provinces of Amran, Hajjah, Saada, Al-Hudaydah, and Ibb. The militia stole all assets, including vehicles, generators, computers, medicines, and office supplies, with an estimated value of around $4 million.

Systematic Violations Against Humanitarian Organizations

In a press statement, Al-Eryani highlighted that this heinous crime is part of a broader pattern of systematic violations committed by the Houthi militia against both international and local humanitarian organizations. Since 2015, there have been over 95 recorded incidents of raids and theft.

Impact on Vulnerable Children

Al-Eryani noted that this crime occurred shortly after Save the Children announced its decision to close offices in Houthi-controlled areas at the end of May. The organization also terminated contracts for approximately 400 employees, leaving over 1.2 million children in affected provinces without access to essential programs.

Increasing Restrictions on Humanitarian Work

The minister pointed out that the arbitrary and escalating restrictions imposed by the Houthi militia have led to the closure of numerous offices and the dismissal of hundreds of Yemeni employees. This situation has deprived thousands of families in need of vital health, education, and food services.

Repeated Attacks on Save the Children

Al-Eryani emphasized that the Houthi militia has a history of repeated assaults on Save the Children, including a raid on its office in Dhamar in 2018, where equipment was stolen, and employees were kidnapped. Notably, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Makhlafi, the organization’s educational grants officer since January 2024, was among those detained. Additionally, Hisham Al-Hakimi, the security and government relations officer, was abducted in September 2023 and died under torture.

Humanitarian Work Under Threat

The minister stressed that the ongoing interventions and the imposition of loyalist elements within humanitarian offices make it impossible for any organization to operate independently or impartially in Houthi-controlled areas. The diversion of aid to support the war effort, along with the intimidation and detention of staff, further exacerbates the crisis.

Call for International Action

Al-Eryani warned that the situation in Houthi-controlled areas reflects the behavior of a gang that exploits human suffering as a political tool in the ongoing conflict. He called for the international community, the United Nations, and its special envoy to Yemen to clearly condemn these brutal crimes and violations. He urged for decisive measures to ensure that perpetrators do not escape punishment and advocated for the classification of the Houthi militia as a terrorist organization in the UK and other EU countries.

Urging International Organizations to Relocate

Finally, Al-Eryani renewed his call for remaining international organizations in Houthi-controlled areas to relocate their offices to the temporary capital of Aden. He emphasized the importance of collaborating with internationally recognized legitimate authorities to ensure humanitarian decision-making independence, restore beneficiaries’ trust, and prevent ongoing violations that have turned humanitarian work into a hostage situation under a lawless terrorist group.

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