Gov calls for global action to save kidnapped humanitarian workers held by Houthis.

The Yemeni government has issued a pressing call to the international community, urging immediate intervention to save the lives of relief workers and humanitarian staff who have been kidnapped or forcibly disappeared in Houthi militia detention centers. This plea highlights the dire circumstances faced by these individuals and the critical need for global attention and action.

Concerns Over the Fate of Civilians

A statement from the Ministry of Human Rights expressed deep concern for approximately 70 civil activists, including five women, abducted by the Houthi militia from their homes since early June 2024. Among the kidnapped are over 18 United Nations staff members and more than 50 activists from civil society organizations. These individuals remain forcibly hidden, with their families unable to locate them or ascertain their conditions, marking a blatant violation of their rights to life, freedom, and personal security.

Allegations of Mistreatment and Torture

The statement further revealed that the Houthi militia has been detaining the kidnapped in secret prisons, subjecting them to various forms of torture and inhumane treatment. This includes deprivation of food, medicine, and sleep, and confinement in dark places to coerce confessions and statements that could incriminate them. The militia’s media outlets have also been accused of spreading misleading information, tarnishing the humanitarian work of the kidnapped and falsely accusing them of espionage and targeting social beliefs and values.

Impact on Families and Violation of International Law

These grave violations have a profound psychological impact on the detainees’ families and communities, causing significant social, economic, and psychological distress. The statement emphasized that such illegal practices constitute a flagrant breach of international human rights law, the Geneva Conventions, and their additional protocols, which protect civilian rights in armed conflicts. These actions amount to serious violations that could be classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity, necessitating accountability before international courts.

Calls for Media and Human Rights Focus

The Yemeni government has reiterated calls for media outlets and national, regional, and international human rights organizations to spotlight these egregious violations, which surpass humanitarian and legal boundaries. It has also renewed appeals to the United Nations, international mechanisms, and the international community, including the UN Security Council, to take urgent measures to protect the detainees.

Concerns Over the Detainees’ Fate

More than 70 days have passed since the kidnappings, with no information available about the victims’ whereabouts or conditions, raising significant concerns about their fate. The government urges all entities concerned with human rights worldwide to condemn these violations and apply necessary pressure for the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

This call to action underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for concerted efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, highlighting the critical role of the international community in safeguarding human rights and dignity in conflict zones.

 

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