Human Rights Watch: Houthis display hypocrisy by claiming to support Palestinians while oppressing Yemenis.

In its 2025 World Report, Human Rights Watch highlights significant escalations in the suppression of civil society in Yemen, particularly by the Houthi movement. The report indicates that, throughout 2024, the Houthis intensified their efforts to obstruct humanitarian aid and stifle dissent.

Arbitrary Detentions of UN and Civil Society Workers

The report reveals alarming statistics regarding the arbitrary detention of United Nations employees and civil society workers. Human Rights Watch documented that the Houthis unlawfully detained and concealed the whereabouts of dozens of individuals associated with humanitarian organizations.

Global Overview of Human Rights Practices

The 35th edition of the global report spans 546 pages and examines human rights practices in over 100 countries. It provides a comprehensive overview of the various challenges faced by civil society worldwide.

Hypocrisy in Support for Palestinians

Nico Jafarnia, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, criticized the Houthis for their hypocrisy. While claiming to support Palestinians resisting Israeli oppression, the Houthis simultaneously persecute Yemen’s civil society. Jafarnia emphasized the necessity for both governments and the United Nations to pressure the Houthis to release all arbitrarily detained individuals and to condemn all entities threatening civil space and humanitarian aid in Yemen, including Israel.

Threats to Humanitarian Access

The report also highlights the dangers posed by Israeli attacks on the port of Hodeidah, which hinder the delivery of crucial humanitarian assistance. Since May 31, 2024, the Houthis have forcibly detained dozens of individuals, including at least 17 UN agency employees and numerous workers from non-governmental organizations, foreign embassies, and private companies operating in Houthi-controlled areas.

Cholera Outbreak Amid Humanitarian Challenges

Human Rights Watch’s findings also underscore a severe cholera outbreak in Houthi-controlled regions. The organization attributes this public health crisis to the obstruction of humanitarian operations and the withholding of vital information. The outbreak has resulted in 258 deaths among approximately 95,000 suspected cholera cases.

Urgent Call for Action

Human Rights Watch urgently calls for the Houthis and all parties in Yemen to immediately release all detainees and cease arbitrary arrests. The organization stresses the critical importance of restoring civil liberties and ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid to those in need.

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