The Houthi group has given UN Human Rights Office employees three days to leave Sanaa, following a wide-ranging crackdown on staff from UN agencies, international organizations, and foreign embassies. The UN Human Rights Office has been the primary target of these arrests.
Sources reported that the Houthis sent a letter demanding the UN Human Rights Office close its Sanaa office within three days. A source from the office confirmed this to “Al-Masdar Online” news, stating they received the Houthi authorities’ notice to shut down the office.
The reasons for the closure order were not disclosed, and the United Nations has not commented on the situation.
In recent months, the Houthis have kidnapped dozens of local, international, and UN organization employees in their controlled areas. Houthi media released videos of detainees, including those kidnapped in 2021 who had worked for the U.S. embassy and various UN and international organizations, confessing to espionage for the U.S. and Britain.
The United Nations previously demanded the “unconditional” release of its kidnapped staff. On June 8, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that the detainees include nine men and two women, and the UN is exploring all possible channels for their swift release.
Recently, the Houthis issued new directives requiring organizations operating in their areas to submit organizational structures and employee lists, and obtain prior approval for any new appointments.
