The Minister of Information urges the UN to protect its staff after contracts were terminated in Sana’a due to Houthi actions.

Houthi Militias Blamed for UN Staff Contract Terminations

Minister Holds Houthi Militias Accountable

The Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism in the Yemeni government, Muammar Al-Eryani, has placed full responsibility on the Iranian-backed Houthi militias for the recent decisions made by the United Nations Security and Safety Administration and the World Food Programme. These decisions involve the termination of contracts for their staff in the capital, Sana’a, and other areas under Houthi control.

Systematic Campaigns Against Humanitarian Workers

In a press statement, Al-Eryani emphasized that these decisions stem from systematic campaigns launched by the Houthi militias against the United Nations and its agencies. These campaigns have included oppressive practices such as kidnappings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary arrests of humanitarian workers.

Hostile Environment for International Organizations

Al-Eryani explained that international organizations have operated in a hostile environment created by the Houthi militias. This environment has involved intimidation, extortion, and restrictions on workers, systematically undermining the principles of neutrality and independence that are essential to humanitarian work. The militias aim to exert control over the activities of these organizations, using humanitarian efforts as a political pressure tool and a source of illicit funding to support their insurgent agenda.

Call for Protection of Local Staff

Al-Eryani reiterated that protecting local staff is a legal and institutional obligation for the United Nations. He urged the organization to address the situation of its employees who have been dismissed in Sana’a and other Houthi-controlled areas. These individuals face severe humanitarian and security challenges, including enforced house arrest, travel restrictions, and the ongoing detention of dozens of employees under arbitrary conditions for years.

Violations of International Agreements

The minister pointed out that these violations represent a blatant breach of the 1946 United Nations Convention on Privileges and Immunities, as well as international humanitarian law. Such actions pose a serious threat to the future of humanitarian work in conflict zones and undermine the ability of international organizations to operate independently and safely.

Urgent Appeal to the International Community

Al-Eryani called on the United Nations and the international community to fulfill their legal and moral responsibilities. He urged them to exert genuine and effective pressure on the Houthi militias to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted UN staff and to allow employees to leave Houthi-controlled areas without restrictions or threats, ensuring their safety, dignity, and freedom.

For more details, visit Yemen TV.

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