Information Minister: Houthi militia’s kidnapping of journalist Sahar Al-Kholani underscores the oppressive plight of women.

In a recent statement, the Yemeni Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar al-Eryani, shed light on the harrowing situation of women in areas controlled by the Houthi militia, following the abduction of journalist and humanitarian activist Sahar al-Khulani from her home. Al-Eryani emphasized that al-Khulani’s forced disappearance, motivated by her coverage of the dire living conditions faced by citizens, exemplifies the broader tragedy of Yemeni women under Houthi control, subjected to oppressive practices, crimes, and systematic violations.

Continued Violations Against Women Activists

Al-Eryani further revealed that the Houthi militia had previously kidnapped several women activists and workers affiliated with international organizations, including Samira Belh, a field coordinator for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Al Hudaydah, and Rabab al-Madhwahi, head of the information department at the National Democratic Institute (NDI). These abductions also extended to Sara al-Faeeq, the executive director of the Civil Coalition for Peace, and an employee of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), with all victims being denied any contact with their families.

Since their coup in 2015, the Houthi militia has kidnapped thousands of women from their homes, workplaces, public streets, and checkpoints, incarcerating them in secret prisons. These women have faced trumped-up charges, various forms of extortion, psychological and physical torture, harassment, and sexual assault, largely due to their political, media, and human rights activities. These actions aim to limit their freedom and participation in public life, restricting their mobility in public spaces and workplaces.

Calls for International Action

Al-Eryani urged human rights organizations and groups defending women’s issues and opposing violence against women to denounce the ongoing Houthi violations, which constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, and are blatant violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements.

He also called on the international community and the United Nations to exert real pressure on the Houthi militia to release all abducted and forcibly hidden women in their illegal detention centers. These women are currently living in dire conditions, suffering from cruel and degrading treatment, lack of healthcare, and the absence of basic life necessities. Al-Eryani advocated for the prosecution of those involved in these crimes and violations and proposed that the Houthi militia be designated as a “global terrorist organization.”

This appeal underscores the urgent need for global attention and action to address the grave human rights abuses perpetrated by the Houthi militia against women in Yemen, highlighting a critical aspect of the ongoing conflict that demands immediate and concerted international response.

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