UN condemns Houthi militia’s raid on its office in Sanaa.

Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed strong condemnation on Tuesday regarding the breach of the UN’s Human Rights office in Sanaa by the Houthi militia, which occurred ten days prior. In a statement, Turk highlighted that the Houthi group forcefully entered the office on August 3, compelling local staff to relinquish their possessions, including documents, furniture, vehicles, and office keys.

Turk emphasized the violation this act represents against the United Nations’ privileges and immunities agreement, stating that unauthorized entry and forcible seizure of documents and properties completely contravene international norms.

Immediate Withdrawal Requested

The High Commissioner urgently called for the Houthi militia to vacate the premises immediately and return all assets and properties taken during the raid. This incident marks a significant escalation in the disregard for international humanitarian law by the Houthi militia, raising concerns about the safety and security of UN personnel and assets in conflict zones.

Ongoing Detention of Civilians and UN Workers

Furthermore, the Houthi terrorist militia continues to detain 70 civil activists, including 18 employees from various international and UN organizations. The Yemeni government has appealed to the international community for swift action to secure the release of relief workers and humanitarians kidnapped or forcibly hidden in Houthi detention facilities.

A statement from the Ministry of Human Rights expressed deep concern for the fate of nearly 70 civil activists abducted by the Houthi militia since early June 2024. Among the detained are five female activists, over 18 UN and international organization workers, and more than 50 activists from civil society organizations.

The international community watches closely as the situation unfolds, hoping for a resolution that ensures the safety of all detained individuals and the restoration of peace and order to the affected regions. The incident underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen and protect the rights and safety of those working on the ground.

This report follows the United Nations’ public condemnation of the Houthi militia’s actions in Sanaa, reflecting the broader challenges faced by humanitarian and human rights workers in conflict zones worldwide.

 

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